Franchise Head

The role involves leading the implementation of AstraZeneca Pakistan’s business strategy, managing distributors, and collaborating with local and regional stakeholders under the Commercial Operations Gulf and Country Director Pakistan. The position demands strategic business planning experience combined with operational expertise to ensure effective tactical execution and compliance with legal entity requirements. The incumbent will work closely with local distributors and AstraZeneca’s matrix organization to meet performance objectives aligned with business KPIs. A strong focus on driving excellence, identifying risks, and ensuring audit readiness through cross-functional teamwork is essential.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead all franchise commercial activities across Pakistan, including developing and executing sales strategies with a patient-centric focus.
- Implement localized franchise strategies aligned with global directives, managing brand plans, launches, performance reviews, and portfolio integration.
- Identify and capitalize on new and existing brand opportunities, utilizing market data to optimize product strategies.
- Own forecasting and P&L delivery by setting assumptions, tracking trends, and managing budgets and resources.
- Drive brand plan execution and KPIs through collaboration with cross-functional teams; monitor and report activities according to AstraZeneca standards.
- Develop communication and campaign materials, manage external agencies, and ensure necessary approvals.
- Lead, coach, and mentor direct reports and matrix teams to foster high performance and cross-functional collaboration.
- Build and maintain relationships with Key External Experts (KEEs) alongside Medical and senior leadership; support government affairs and market access initiatives.
- Engage with global and regional teams to share best practices and ensure quality deliverables.
- Coordinate and manage launch excellence processes for new assets and indications.
- Partner with Business Unit Directors to develop long-term strategic plans, assess capabilities, and identify synergies.
- Proactively identify business challenges and opportunities, ensuring aligned execution across markets and functions.
- Oversee the business planning cycle, ensuring alignment across therapeutic areas and brands.
- Control and monitor costs to support operational plans within budget.
- Lead initiatives to accelerate patient identification, referral, and maintenance across franchises.
- Manage projects and vendors to address business opportunities and challenges.
- Utilize advanced analytical methods to generate insights that influence sales and marketing strategies.
- Manage distributor relationships and coordinate activities under the Distributor Management Framework.
- Uphold high ethical standards, ensuring compliance with AstraZeneca’s Code of Conduct, policies, local laws, and marketing procedures.
- Ensure timely reporting of health, safety, environmental incidents, adverse events, and conflicts of interest.

Required Qualifications

- Minimum of 10 years’ experience in pharmaceutical multinational companies with a proven track record of leading cross-functional projects.
- Demonstrated success in leading business operations with strong marketing expertise in specialty care.
- Strong project management, decision-making, and multitasking abilities.
- Experience with controls and governance within a commercial organization.
- Strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

- Experience working in regional or global roles.
- Proficiency in leveraging digital technologies to deliver business value.
- Background in oncology is highly desirable.
- Advanced degree such as an MBA or Medicine.
- Experience driving sales through third-party channels.
- Strong financial acumen.

AstraZeneca is committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion, fostering a workplace that embraces a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds. The company welcomes applications from all qualified candidates and complies with all applicable laws regarding non-discrimination and employment eligibility.

Date Posted: 29 September 2026
Closing Date: 07 October 2026