Purpose:
The Country Manager for Kenya will spearhead the achievement of business objectives and foster expansion within the market by:
To drive sustained revenue growth within the existing portfolio, with a primary emphasis on oncology, mental health, and immunology.
Securing reimbursement from funding bodies to sustain our innovation initiatives is essential.
Co-directing the implementation of the Mental Health initiative, you will oversee key project components to ensure timely and effective delivery. This role requires collaborating with cross-functional teams to align strategies, manage resources, and mitigate risks throughout the project lifecycle. Accountability for meeting milestones, reporting progress, and maintaining stakeholder engagement will be essential to drive measurable outcomes and sustainable impact.
We are excited to unveil our groundbreaking new portfolio, designed to showcase our latest advancements and strategic initiatives. This initiative represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence, offering enhanced solutions tailored to meet evolving market demands.
We oversee our strategic partnerships with distributors in Kenya to enhance business performance, ensuring seamless collaboration and mutual growth.
To achieve this, we must prioritize cultivating a strong and positive local corporate identity while ensuring full adherence to all applicable local laws and regulations. Additionally, fostering strategic internal and external partnerships where beneficial will be essential, as will enhance our credibility and standing within the community.
The primary responsibilities and essential duties involve overseeing and executing key tasks that align with organizational goals. This includes managing daily operations, ensuring compliance with established procedures, and collaborating across departments to achieve strategic objectives. Additionally, the role requires maintaining accurate records, analyzing performance metrics, and identifying opportunities for process improvements. Strong communication skills are necessary to liaise with stakeholders, provide clear direction to team members, and uphold a productive work environment. The position may also entail delegating responsibilities, monitoring progress, and addressing any operational challenges as they arise.
Achieving impactful local business outcomes by collaborating effectively with distributors as needed.
Establishing country-specific sales objectives involves aligning forecasts, growth targets, and market share metrics with the portfolio’s potential, product lifecycle stages, and regional strategic goals.
Develop and oversee necessary budgets while optimizing resource allocation to ensure efficient and effective utilization of organizational assets.
Review and authorize all initiatives undertaken by team members across departments, including sales, medical, regulatory, marketing, and market access, ensuring compliance with established standards and guidelines.
To drive continued sales expansion within our existing portfolio, with a particular emphasis on oncology, mental health, and immunology, this role requires strategic resource allocation, vigilant monitoring of stock levels across the value chain, proactive engagement with distributors, and the implementation of accurate reporting and alignment processes.
We are launching a groundbreaking new portfolio featuring plans for priority products, encompassing regulatory submissions, market access strategies, tender negotiations and submissions, as well as targeted medical education initiatives where necessary.
Conducting a thorough examination of locally collected data, we aim to uncover potential opportunities and mitigate risks embedded in existing strategies, thereby facilitating timely insights and the formulation of remedial actions.
Spearhead our mental health initiatives, overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs designed to support employee well-being and foster a psychologically safe workplace culture. Ensure alignment with organizational goals while addressing the diverse needs of our workforce through evidence-based strategies, accessible resources, and proactive interventions. Collaborate with leadership, HR, and external partners to integrate mental health awareness into company policies, training, and benefits, and measure outcomes to drive continuous improvement. Act as a champion for mental wellness, advocating for systemic changes that reduce stigma and enhance resilience across the organization.
Our primary responsibility involves executing business objectives in strict adherence to J&J guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and all applicable local laws and regulations.
As part of this role, you will be responsible for driving the expansion and performance of the local branch while providing mentorship and guidance to the team. Your focus will include fostering growth initiatives, optimizing operational efficiency, and cultivating a high-performing culture within the organization. Through leadership and support, you will empower team members to achieve their full potential and contribute to the overall success of the business.
Establishing and configuring the local work environment, as well as driving the integration of diverse functions, fostering a Johnson & Johnson mindset across all operational areas.
We are responsible for identifying, nurturing, and keeping top-tier talent to ensure a robust pipeline for future leadership roles.
Ensuring seamless collaboration across all functions and individuals while inspiring the team to meet the country’s objectives.
Demonstrate leadership by exemplifying the desired behaviors and attitudes in all professional interactions.
We aim to enhance Johnson & Johnson’s image and reputation within the local community.
Cultivate and strengthen strategic alliances with key opinion leaders (Vols), governmental entities, and pharmaceutical associations, among other critical market stakeholders.
Ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and pharmaceutical guidelines represents a key component of this role, encompassing essential duties and responsibilities in maintaining compliance within the pharmaceutical sector.
Ensure strict adherence to all applicable local regulations, as well as CPA (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act), CBI (Healthcare Business Integrity) guidelines, and PBC (Policy on Business Conduct).
Ensure ongoing preparedness for inspections by maintaining compliance with personal training requirements, while also ensuring the availability of an up-to-date CV and a customized Job Description.
To guarantee full comprehension and strict adherence to HCC and legal requirements—including Fair Market Value, Transfer of Value rules, and Promotional Materials rules—throughout the project lifecycle, it is essential to integrate these considerations during planning, material development, and execution phases. Additionally, all relevant promotional materials generated in the EMEA region must undergo appropriate local adaptation prior to launch.
Ensure all adverse events and product quality complaints are reported promptly in accordance with J&J pharmacovigilance guidelines.
Ensure compliance with safety reporting requirements, including timely AE/PQC reporting, in accordance with established company policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) throughout the project lifecycle—from planning and material development to execution and vendor contracting.
Internal Interactions
You will engage with various departments to foster collaboration and ensure alignment with organizational objectives. This role requires effective communication with cross-functional teams to gather insights, address challenges, and streamline processes. Additionally, you will act as a liaison between teams to facilitate information exchange and resolve interdepartmental issues. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence stakeholders are essential to drive cohesive decision-making and maintain productive working relationships across the organization.
Functions are executed both locally and regionally across diverse departments, including medical, regulatory, sales, supply chain, finance, human resources, talent acquisition and learning (Talk), and general administration (GA).
Regional leadership roles, encompassing Regulatory, Medical, Human Capital, Quality, Finance, Country Directors, and Information Technology sectors, are vital components of our organizational structure.
We engage with external stakeholders, including clients, partners, and regulatory bodies, to foster productive relationships and facilitate seamless collaboration. This role requires individuals who thrive in client-facing scenarios and possess strong interpersonal and communication skills to address inquiries, resolve issues, and ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
Sought-after thought leaders in their respective fields, Key Opinion Leaders (Vols) are influential figures whose expertise and credibility make them invaluable partners in shaping industry trends, driving innovation, and fostering trust among stakeholders. These professionals are often recognized for their deep knowledge, extensive experience, and ability to communicate complex ideas in accessible ways, enabling them to influence decisions across academia, healthcare, technology, and beyond. Their primary responsibilities include providing strategic insights, validating products or services, and engaging with audiences through thought leadership content, public speaking, and advisory roles. To qualify for such positions, candidates typically possess advanced degrees, a proven track record in their domain, and strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with brands, organizations, and communities.
Medical organizations are seeking highly skilled professionals to join their teams, requiring a commitment to advancing healthcare standards and promoting industry best practices. Candidates must possess a relevant degree in a healthcare-related field, along with several years of experience in medical association operations, policy development, or advocacy. Key responsibilities include managing membership programs, fostering stakeholder engagement, and collaborating with healthcare providers to drive initiatives that enhance patient care and industry collaboration. Strong leadership, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments are essential for success in this role.
High-volume product distributors are responsible for overseeing the acquisition, storage, and delivery of merchandise to retail outlets, warehouses, and directly to consumers. They ensure products reach their destinations efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with company standards and industry regulations. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential for success in this role. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, and prior experience in logistics, inventory management, or a related field is preferred. Candidates must be proficient in using warehouse management systems and have a solid understanding of supply chain operations. Physical stamina and the capability to lift heavy items may also be necessary, depending on the specific position.
Governmental agencies seek to fill this role with individuals possessing a strong background in public policy, administration, or a closely related field, requiring at least three years of relevant professional experience. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in data analysis, policy evaluation, and stakeholder engagement, with excellent written and verbal communication skills essential for drafting reports, presenting findings, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Familiarity with regulatory frameworks, budgeting processes, and compliance standards is highly valued, alongside the ability to navigate complex bureaucratic structures while maintaining a results-driven approach. The position demands adaptability to evolving policy landscapes, a commitment to ethical governance, and a proactive mindset in identifying opportunities for program improvement and innovation.
Essential qualifications and competencies include a comprehensive understanding of the subject pertinent to the role, along with the ability to apply this knowledge effectively in practical scenarios. Proficiency in relevant technical skills, including software, tools, or methodologies specific to the position, is required. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are necessary to address complex challenges, while excellent communication skills facilitate clear collaboration and information sharing with stakeholders. Additionally, the capacity to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines is expected. Prior experience in a similar role is often preferred, as well as familiarity with industry standards and best practices.
A bachelor’s degree or higher is required, with preference given to candidates holding an advanced degree, such as an MBA or a degree in the life sciences.
With a minimum of seven to ten years of relevant commercial expertise, preferably within the pharmaceutical sector, you will bring a proven track record of achieving measurable business growth.
Proficiency in international work environments or educational backgrounds beyond Kenya are considered an advantageous asset.
Proficiency in English and at least one additional local language, such as Swahili, is required.
Seasoned professionals with a proven track record in navigating highly matrixed organizational structures and collaborating seamlessly across diverse functional teams.
Demonstrated experience in supervising teams and leading staff members in a managerial capacity is essential.
Proven expertise in financial forecasting and budget development is required.
With a preference for candidates who embody an entrepreneurial spirit, possess strong self-motivation, and demonstrate exceptional problem-solving capabilities.
Demonstrates strong organizational skills to effectively manage workloads, ensuring high-quality deliverables are consistently produced while adhering to established deadlines.
Proven ability to communicate effectively through both written and oral means, along with strong presentation capabilities, is essential.
Seeking an individual eager to contribute to a tight-knit, collaborative, and highly effective team environment.
Exemplify behaviors consistent with the J&J Global Leadership Profile, encompassing—yet not limited to—upholding integrity through adherence to the Credo, fostering collaboration and teamwork, demonstrating a proactive sense of urgency coupled with a results-oriented mindset, and championing diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Core qualifications essential for this position include the following:
Entrepreneurial individuals with a proven track record of success and a results-driven approach are sought. Candidates must exhibit a strong drive for achievement and demonstrate the ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities in dynamic environments.
Experienced professionals must demonstrate proficiency in overseeing teams, fostering talent growth, and cultivating high-performing individuals to drive organizational success.
Demonstrates exceptional verbal and written communication abilities with strong presentation skills.
Develop and maintain effective, professional relationships through clear communication and collaboration with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. Demonstrate empathy, active listening, and the ability to adapt interactions to diverse personalities and situations. Build rapport to foster a positive, inclusive work environment and enhance teamwork and productivity.
Accomplished stakeholder engagement and client relationship development are essential for this role.
Managing multifaceted challenges and intricate systems requires a strategic approach, keen analytical skills, and the ability to prioritize effectively. This role demands proficiency in evaluating diverse variables, discerning critical patterns, and implementing solutions that align with overarching objectives. Candidates must demonstrate resilience in navigating ambiguity, adaptability in dynamic environments, and a commitment to structured problem-solving. Excellent organizational capabilities and a methodical mindset are essential to balance competing demands while maintaining clarity and precision.
A commitment to upholding the highest standards of business ethics and integrity is essential.
Fluent proficiency in both English and Swahili is required.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
7 - 10 years