[UK] Associate Director, Sales UK & Ireland in St Albans

Company Description Santen is a specialized company with a proud 130-year heritage focused exclusively on eye health. As a Japan-originated, global company with our footprint in over 60 countries and regions, our mission is to provide essential and significant value to patients and society through our products and services created from our expertise in ophthalmology and from the patient’s perspective.

Job Description We are looking for a dynamic and results-driven Associate Director Sales based in Southern UK to lead our Ophthalmology Key Account Management team. You will be responsible for managing the FOTE product portfolio, delivering commercial targets, developing a high-performing sales team, and executing strategic account plans to accelerate business growth. This is an exciting opportunity to make a measurable impact within a fast-paced, purpose-driven organisation.

What You Will Do

• Deliver national sales, market share, and profitability targets for the FOTE product portfolio through effective leadership and team performance.
• Develop and implement high-performance salesforce management processes to drive consistent results.
• Champion the Santen Selling Model (ENGAGE) and ensure its effective execution across all customer interactions.
• Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Medical Affairs, Market Access, Finance, and the National Sales Manager to align on strategy and objectives.
• Lead and develop the Ophthalmology Key Account Management team, setting clear goals and priorities.
• Recruit, onboard, and coach team members, fostering continuous development and a culture of excellence.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, providing actionable feedback and development support.
• Ensure full compliance with ABPI Code of Practice and internal company policies in all sales activities.
• Manage budgets, monitor team expenses, and leverage CRM data to optimise performance and execution.

Qualifications What you will bring to the role

• Degree-level education or equivalent experience; additional qualifications in business, marketing, or management are desirable.
• Proven experience in and a strong understanding of local healthcare systems, prescribing, and reimbursement processes.
• Ophthalmology experience would be an advantage.
• Successful track record in line management and field coaching, with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• Demonstrated success in delivering commercial results through effective leadership and strategic execution.
• Excellent business acumen and commercial awareness, with strong negotiation and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix organisation, collaborating with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, adaptable to diverse communication styles.
• Strong organisational skills, resilience under pressure, and a proactive “can-do” attitude.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and Excel, with excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.

Additional Information Grow your career at Santen A career at Santen is an opportunity to make a difference. We aspire to contribute to the realization of “Happiness with Vision” by providing eye health products and services to patients, consumers, and medical professionals around the world. Guided by our CORE PRINCIPLE, “Tenki ni sanyo suru”, Santen is engaged in the global research & development, manufacturing, and sales and marketing of pharmaceutical products in ophthalmology. We have team members around the world using their diverse talents to unlock new modalities and drive innovations for patient outcomes, education and treatment. At Santen, we believe in empowering all team members with flexible ways of working and a highly inclusive work environment. The Santen Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building diverse teams and ensuring a safe and inclusive physical and virtual workplace for every one of our team members. All employment decisions are based on business needs, role requirements and individual qualifications regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin/ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/ expression, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you require any kind of accommodation during our recruitment process, please let the recruiter from our team know.