Franchise Head

The Franchise Head will lead the execution of AstraZeneca Pakistan’s business strategy, managing distributors and collaborating with local and regional stakeholders under the Commercial Operations Gulf and Country Director Pakistan. This role demands a blend of strategic business planning and operational expertise to ensure effective implementation 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

Franchise Leadership and Commercial Execution:
Lead all franchise commercial activities across Pakistan, including sales strategy and execution with a patient-centric approach. Implement localized franchise strategies aligned with global directives, covering brand plans, launches, performance reviews, and portfolio integration. Identify and capitalize on new and existing brand opportunities using market data to optimize strategies. Own forecasting and P&L delivery by setting assumptions, tracking trends, and managing resources and budgets. Drive brand plan execution and KPIs through collaboration, monitoring team activities, and ensuring compliance with AstraZeneca standards. Oversee development of communication and campaign materials, managing external agencies and approvals.

Team Leadership and Capability Building:
Lead, coach, and mentor direct reports and matrix teams to foster high performance, professional development, and cross-functional collaboration. Build and maintain relationships with Key External Experts (KEEs) in partnership with Medical and senior leadership. Support government affairs and market access initiatives to influence policy and promote portfolio growth. Engage with global and regional teams to share best practices and ensure quality deliverables.

Launch Excellence and Cross-Franchise Strategy:
Coordinate and own launch excellence processes for new assets and indications. Collaborate with Business Unit Directors to develop long-term strategic plans, including capability assessments and synergy execution. Proactively identify business challenges and opportunities, ensuring aligned execution across markets and functions.

Business Planning and Operations:
Manage the business planning cycle, ensuring alignment across therapeutic areas and brands. Control costs and resource utilization to meet operational plans within budget. Lead initiatives to accelerate patient identification, referral, and maintenance across franchises. Oversee project and vendor management to address business needs. Utilize advanced analytical methods to generate insights that influence sales and marketing strategies. Manage distributor relationships and coordinate activities under the Distributor Management Framework.

Ethics and Compliance:
Uphold high ethical standards and ensure compliance with AstraZeneca’s Code of Conduct, policies, local laws, and marketing procedures. Ensure timely reporting of health, safety, wellbeing incidents, adverse events, and conflicts of interest as per company protocols.

Required Qualifications
- Over 10 years of experience in pharmaceutical multinational companies, with a proven track record in leading cross-functional projects.
- Strong marketing experience in specialty care with demonstrated business leadership.
- Excellent project management, decision-making, and multitasking skills.
- Experience with commercial controls and governance frameworks.
- Strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits
- Experience working in regional or global roles.
- Ability to leverage digital technologies to drive business value.
- Background in oncology is advantageous.
- Advanced degrees such as MBA or Medicine.
- Experience managing sales through third-party distributors.
- Strong financial acumen.

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