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Home Jobs Nairobi Regional Director for Operations in Kenya

Regional Director for Operations in Kenya

Johnson & Johnson  · Healthcare / Medical

Full Time Nairobi
Nairobi
Deadline: 21 August 2026
Posted May 23, 2026

Purpose:

The Country Manager for Kenya will be tasked with achieving business targets and spearheading expansion initiatives within the country by:

To drive sustained revenue growth across the existing portfolio, with a particular emphasis on oncology, mental health, and immunology.

Securing reimbursement from funding bodies to support our innovation initiatives is a critical responsibility.

We will jointly oversee the implementation of the mental health initiative, ensuring seamless coordination and adherence to project objectives. This role involves collaborating closely with stakeholders, managing deliverables, and maintaining clear communication channels throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, we will monitor progress, address potential challenges, and implement solutions to drive successful outcomes while upholding the highest standards of care and professionalism.

We are excited to unveil our groundbreaking new portfolio, designed to set new industry standards and deliver transformative value to our clients.

We are responsible for overseeing our strategic partnerships with distributors in Kenya to enhance our commercial performance and market presence. This role involves coordinating closely with these partners to ensure alignment with our business objectives, optimizing supply chain efficiency, and identifying growth opportunities in the Kenyan market.

To achieve this, we must prioritize building a strong, positive local corporate identity, ensuring strict adherence to all applicable local regulations, fostering collaboration both within the organization and with external stakeholders as needed, and enhancing our credibility and standing in the community.

Overseeing and executing key duties and responsibilities are fundamental to this role. The position requires managing a diverse set of core tasks, including strategic planning, operational execution, and performance monitoring, to ensure organizational objectives are met. Responsibilities encompass analyzing data, identifying trends, and implementing solutions to enhance efficiency and productivity. Additionally, the role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, delegating tasks, and fostering a culture of accountability to drive consistent results. Strong communication skills and the ability to adapt to evolving priorities are essential to success in this position.

Achieving local business objectives involves, where necessary, collaborating with distributors to ensure alignment and fulfillment of goals.

Establishing country-specific sales objectives involves aligning forecasts, growth targets, and market share with portfolio potential, product lifecycle stages, and regional goals.

Develop and manage required budgets while optimizing resources to ensure efficient allocation and maximum utilization.

Review and authorize all initiatives and operations conducted by the sales, medical, regulatory, marketing, and market access teams to ensure alignment with organizational policies and compliance standards.

To drive sustained sales growth within the existing portfolio—particularly in oncology, mental health, and immunology—this role involves strategic resource allocation, continuous monitoring of stock levels throughout the value chain, and close collaboration with distributors. Additionally, the position demands diligent reporting and alignment with overarching business objectives to ensure operational efficiency and market responsiveness.

We are excited to unveil our groundbreaking new portfolio, with strategic initiatives already underway for key products. This includes preparing and submitting regulatory documents, securing market access, conducting tender negotiations and submissions, as well as delivering medical education initiatives where applicable.

Conducting a thorough evaluation of locally sourced data to pinpoint potential opportunities and risks in existing strategies, this role facilitates proactive insights and the formulation of corrective actions to enhance outcomes.

Spearhead initiatives to advance and enhance our mental health programs, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all stakeholders. Develop and implement comprehensive strategies to promote mental wellness, ensuring accessibility and effectiveness of services. Lead cross-functional teams to identify gaps, evaluate outcomes, and drive continuous improvement in mental health support. Collaborate with external partners, healthcare providers, and community organizations to expand resources and advocacy efforts. Oversee the execution of awareness campaigns, training sessions, and policy development to reduce stigma and increase mental health literacy. Monitor industry trends and best practices to align our programs with evolving needs.

To achieve business objectives, strict adherence to J&J guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and applicable local laws and regulations is essential.

The position entails cultivating the local enterprise and mentoring the team to achieve collective success.

Establishing the local infrastructure and fostering seamless operational functionality, you will cultivate a Johnson & Johnson corporate mindset.

We are responsible for identifying, nurturing, and keeping top-tier professionals to ensure seamless leadership transitions and sustained organizational growth.

Ensuring comprehensive coordination across all functions and individuals while fostering a motivated team to successfully meet the country’s objectives.

Exemplify leadership through actions that set a positive example for others to follow.

By cultivating and enhancing the local perception of Johnson & Johnson, the selected candidate will play a pivotal role in reinforcing the company’s image and reputation within the community. This position requires a proactive approach to fostering positive relationships, ensuring consistent messaging, and aligning initiatives with J&J’s core values. The individual will serve as a key representative, strategically driving initiatives that elevate brand trust and credibility in the region.

Build and nurture strategic partnerships with key market stakeholders, including Key Opinion Leaders (Vols), governmental entities, and pharmaceutical associations.

Compliance and pharmaceutical responsibilities involve ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and overseeing pharmaceutical-related duties.

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) standards.

To maintain inspection readiness, it is essential to verify compliance with personal training requirements and confirm the availability of an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) and a customized job description.

Ensure full comprehension and adherence to HCC and legal standards, including Fair Market Value, Transfer of Value rules, and Promotional Materials guidelines, when planning projects, developing materials, and executing initiatives. Additionally, verify the local adaptation of relevant EMEA-generated promotional materials prior to launch.

Ensure prompt reporting of adverse events and product quality complaints in alignment with J&J pharmacovigilance guidelines.

To guarantee adherence to safety reporting obligations—including prompt AE/PQC reporting—align all project phases (planning, material development, execution, and vendor contracting) with established company policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

We collaborate closely with internal teams to foster cohesive workflows and ensure alignment across departments, facilitating the exchange of critical information and resources to support organizational goals. This role requires strong interpersonal skills to engage effectively with colleagues at all levels, promoting a culture of transparency and teamwork. Additionally, we facilitate cross-functional meetings, address interdepartmental inquiries, and serve as a liaison to streamline communication between leadership and operational staff.

Locally and regionally, the role encompasses diverse functional domains, including medical, regulatory, sales, supply chain, finance, human resources, talent acquisition leaders (Talk), and general administration (GA), among others.

Other regional leadership roles encompass regulatory, medical, human capital, quality, finance, country director positions, as well as IT leadership, among others.

Interacts with external stakeholders, including clients, vendors, and regulatory bodies, to facilitate smooth operations and ensure adherence to organizational protocols.

Seasoned opinion shapers with extensive industry expertise and a robust professional network are sought to collaborate on innovative projects, leveraging their influential status to drive meaningful engagement and shape market perceptions. Candidates must demonstrate a proven track record of credibility within their field, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to align with organizational values and objectives. Responsibilities include participating in strategic discussions, contributing to content creation, and acting as a trusted advisor to amplify brand messaging and foster authentic connections with target audiences.

The position involves collaboration with various medical associations to enhance professional standards, foster networking opportunities, and advocate for healthcare advancements. Responsibilities include organizing joint initiatives, coordinating educational programs, and representing the organization at industry conferences. Candidates should possess strong interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of healthcare policies, and a proven ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels. Experience in partnership development, strategic planning, or public health advocacy is highly desirable. Proficiency in communication, project management, and data analysis tools is required to ensure successful execution of initiatives.

Distributors play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient flow of products from manufacturers to retailers or end-users, facilitating market accessibility and availability. They are responsible for negotiating contracts, managing inventory levels, and overseeing timely deliveries while adhering to regulatory and company standards. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in logistics software and supply chain management tools. Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of experience in a similar role, a bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field, and a valid driver’s license for transportation oversight. Additionally, they should demonstrate a track record of building and maintaining client relationships, resolving logistical challenges, and optimizing distribution networks for cost efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Governmental agencies are responsible for implementing laws, regulations, and policies that govern public services, infrastructure, and societal well-being. They oversee critical functions such as national security, economic stability, healthcare, education, and environmental protection. To fulfill these roles, agencies recruit professionals with diverse expertise, including policy analysts, engineers, economists, healthcare specialists, and administrative staff. Ideal candidates must demonstrate strong analytical skills, proficiency in data management and reporting, and the ability to collaborate across departments and stakeholders. Additionally, they should possess a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, budgetary constraints, and public administration principles to ensure effective and compliant operations.

Essential expertise and proficiencies include a comprehensive understanding of the field, along with the ability to apply technical knowledge effectively in practical scenarios. Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, and meticulous attention to detail. Proficiency in relevant software, tools, or methodologies pertinent to the role is required, as is the capacity to collaborate efficiently within interdisciplinary teams. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are imperative to convey complex information clearly and concisely. Additionally, the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards of accuracy is essential.

A bachelor’s degree is required at minimum, 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 progressively responsible commercial experience, preferably within the pharmaceutical sector, this role requires a proven track record in a dynamic industry environment.

Preferred candidates will have international work experience and/or educational qualifications, with exposure outside of Kenya being an added advantage.

Fluency in English and proficiency in one or more local languages, such as Swahili, are required.

Demonstrates a strong track record of operating effectively within complex, matrixed organizational structures and collaborating across diverse functional teams.

Requires prior experience in supervising teams and leading staff, demonstrating a track record of effective people management.

One must possess a strong background in forecasting and budgeting practices to excel in this role.

With a proactive approach and an entrepreneurial spirit, they must be a driven self-starter and a skilled problem-solver.

Demonstrated skill in organizing and sequencing tasks to consistently achieve established quality benchmarks and adhere to established deadlines is essential.

Proficient in conveying ideas with clarity and eloquence, whether through written communication or spoken presentations, ensuring effective engagement and understanding.

Seeking an individual who thrives in a small, tightly-knit, and cooperative team environment.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate behaviors consistent with the J&J Global Leadership Profile, such as integrity rooted in the Credo, fostering collaboration and teamwork, maintaining a results-driven sense of urgency, and prioritizing diversity and inclusion.

The essential skills and qualifications for this position include experience in strategic planning, project management, and data analysis, with a proven ability to drive business growth and operational efficiency. Candidates must possess strong leadership qualities, excellent communication skills, and the capacity to collaborate effectively across departments. Familiarity with industry trends, regulatory compliance, and emerging technologies is also required. The ideal candidate will demonstrate adaptability, problem-solving capabilities, and a results-driven mindset to meet organizational objectives.

Entrepreneurial individuals with a strong drive for achievement are sought for this role.

Experienced professionals in team management and talent development are sought to oversee and enhance team performance while fostering a culture of continuous growth. Responsibilities involve strategically guiding teams, identifying skill gaps, and implementing targeted development initiatives to elevate individual and collective capabilities. Candidates must demonstrate a proven track record in mentoring, coaching, and driving employee engagement, along with strong interpersonal and leadership skills. A deep understanding of performance metrics, succession planning, and talent retention strategies is essential to ensure long-term organizational success.

Proficient verbal and written communication skills, along with strong presentation abilities, are essential.

Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, foster positive working relationships, and communicate clearly with stakeholders at all levels. Exceptional talent for resolving conflicts, building rapport, and adapting communication styles to diverse audiences to achieve common objectives.

Accomplished at cultivating and sustaining productive stakeholder partnerships and customer engagements.

Managing complexity involves overseeing intricate systems, processes, or projects with multiple interconnected components, ensuring efficiency and coherence amid dynamic challenges. This role demands a keen ability to analyze multifaceted situations, identify key priorities, and implement structured solutions to mitigate risks and optimize outcomes. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a methodical approach are essential to navigate uncertainties while maintaining alignment with organizational objectives. Effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders are critical to clarify expectations, resolve conflicts, and drive cohesive decision-making. Additionally, proficiency in leveraging data and technology to streamline operations and enhance decision support is often required.

Maintains a high standard of professional ethics and demonstrates uncompromising integrity in all business dealings.

Proficient in both English and Swahili, including the local dialect, with strong verbal and written communication skills.

Qualifications

BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA

Experience Required

7 - 10 years

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