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Home Jobs Nairobi Regional Director for East Africa

Regional Director for East Africa

Johnson & Johnson  · Healthcare / Medical

Full Time Nairobi
Nairobi
Deadline: 21 August 2026
Posted May 25, 2026

Purpose:

The Country Manager Kenya will lead business operations and spearhead strategic initiatives to achieve financial targets and expand market presence across the country. This role involves overseeing day-to-day activities while identifying and capitalizing on new growth opportunities to enhance profitability and competitive positioning.

To achieve ongoing expansion of sales within the existing portfolio, with a particular emphasis on oncology, mental health, and immunology.

Securing reimbursement from relevant bodies to fund our innovative initiatives remains a critical priority.

Leading the execution of the mental health project in partnership with colleagues.

We are excited to unveil our groundbreaking new portfolio, showcasing cutting-edge solutions designed to elevate industry standards.

We oversee strategic partnerships with our distributor network in Kenya, fostering business growth and ensuring seamless collaboration to achieve mutual success. This role involves maintaining strong relationships, monitoring performance metrics, and aligning distributor activities with our organizational objectives to maximize market penetration and operational efficiency.

To achieve this, we must prioritize building a strong local company image, ensuring full compliance with all applicable local laws and regulations, fostering collaborative relationships both internally and externally where necessary, and enhancing our trustworthiness and reputation within the community.

Execute a range of critical duties and fulfill key responsibilities to support organizational objectives, ensuring seamless operations and adherence to established standards. Develop and implement strategic initiatives, oversee routine tasks with precision, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to drive productivity and efficiency. Maintain compliance with industry regulations, uphold quality assurance protocols, and identify opportunities for process improvements to enhance performance. Prepare comprehensive reports, analyze data trends, and provide actionable insights to leadership to inform decision-making. Additionally, mentor junior staff, foster a culture of accountability, and contribute to the development of company policies and procedures.

By achieving local business outcomes, this role involves collaborating with distributors as needed.

Establishing sales targets for each country—including forecasts, growth projections, and market share—requires aligning these objectives with the portfolio’s potential, the product lifecycle stage, and regional strategic goals.

Develop and oversee necessary budgets while optimizing resource allocation to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Responsible for conducting thorough evaluations and authorizations of all initiatives undertaken by the sales, medical, regulatory, marketing, and market access teams.

To foster continued expansion of our existing portfolio, with an emphasis on oncology, mental health, and immunology, responsibilities include securing appropriate resources, tracking stock levels throughout the value chain, coordinating with distributors, and maintaining accurate reporting and alignment.

We are in the process of introducing our groundbreaking new portfolio, with strategic initiatives already underway for key products. These initiatives encompass regulatory submissions, market access strategies, tender negotiations and submissions, as well as targeted medical education efforts where applicable.

Conducting thorough evaluations of locally sourced data to pinpoint potential opportunities and risks within existing strategies, thereby facilitating proactive insights and the formulation of corrective actions.

Spearhead our mental health initiatives, overseeing the development and execution of comprehensive programs designed to support and enhance employee well-being. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify key areas of need, implement evidence-based interventions, and measure outcomes to ensure continuous improvement. Lead efforts to foster a stigma-free workplace culture, promote mental health awareness, and ensure accessibility to resources for all staff. Requires a minimum of five years in mental health advocacy, program development, or related fields, along with strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Deliver business objectives with strict adherence to J&J guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and all applicable local laws and regulations.

Position yourself at the helm of the local company’s growth trajectory, providing strategic direction and fostering a high-performing team through targeted coaching and mentorship initiatives.

The establishment of the local operational environment and the enhancement of diverse functionalities are essential, fostering a Johnson & Johnson mindset.

Our objective is to attract, nurture, and sustain top-tier talent, ensuring a robust pipeline for future leadership.

Ensuring complete alignment across all functions and individuals while inspiring the team to meet the country’s objectives.

Set the standard through exemplary conduct and inspire your team by leading by example.

As part of our commitment to enhancing the local perception and standing of Johnson & Johnson, this role plays a pivotal part in cultivating a positive corporate image and reinforcing brand trust within the community.

You will be responsible for cultivating and strengthening partnerships with key market stakeholders, including Key Opinion Leaders (Vols), governmental organizations, and pharmaceutical societies.

Handle duties associated with pharmaceutical compliance and regulatory adherence to ensure organizational adherence to applicable laws and industry standards.

Ensure adherence to all applicable local regulations, as well as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (CPA), Healthcare Business Integrity (CBI) guidelines, and the Policy on Business Conduct (PBC).

Ensure ongoing preparedness for inspections by maintaining strict adherence to personal training requirements and by keeping an updated curriculum vitae (CV) alongside a tailored Job Description on file.

To guarantee full alignment with HCC and legal mandates—including Fair Market Value, Transfer of Value regulations, and Promotional Materials guidelines—this role involves meticulous oversight throughout project planning, material development, and execution phases. Additionally, the position requires the local adaptation of EMEA-generated promotional materials before their launch.

Ensure the prompt and accurate reporting of adverse events and product quality complaints in strict accordance with Johnson & Johnson pharmacovigilance guidelines.

Ensure strict adherence to safety reporting requirements, including timely submission of adverse events (AE) and periodic quality checks (PQC) as mandated by company policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), throughout all phases of project planning, material development, project execution, and vendor contracting.

We engage in close collaboration with internal teams and departments to ensure seamless communication and alignment across the organization. This role requires strong interpersonal skills to foster productive relationships with colleagues at all levels. You will actively participate in cross-functional initiatives, contributing to shared goals and driving collective success. Building and maintaining internal networks is essential for executing projects efficiently and achieving departmental objectives.

All functions are executed both locally and regionally across various departments, including medical, regulatory, sales, supply chain, finance, human resources, temporary agency labor (Talk), and general administration (GA), among others.

Regional leadership roles across various functions—including Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, Human Capital, Quality Assurance, Finance, Country Directors, and Information Technology, among others—will be integral to this initiative. These positions will require strategic oversight, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to drive compliance, operational excellence, and business growth within their respective domains. Key responsibilities will encompass leading regional teams, aligning regional strategies with corporate objectives, ensuring adherence to regulatory frameworks, and fostering innovation to enhance performance and stakeholder value. Candidates must demonstrate proven leadership experience, a deep understanding of regional market dynamics, and the capacity to influence stakeholders at all levels.

We engage with external stakeholders, including clients, vendors, and partners, to foster productive relationships and ensure seamless collaboration. This role requires exceptional communication skills and the ability to represent the organization professionally. Key responsibilities involve negotiating agreements, resolving inquiries, and addressing concerns in a timely and diplomatic manner.

Respected industry experts with extensive knowledge and credibility in their respective fields, Key Opinion Leaders (Vols) are sought after for their ability to shape consumer perceptions and drive market trends. These professionals are often called upon to provide expert insights, reviews, and endorsements, leveraging their influence to enhance brand reputation and consumer trust. Collaboration with Vols typically involves strategic partnerships to amplify reach, engage target audiences, and generate authentic content that resonates with consumers. Strong communication skills, a proven track record of industry expertise, and a sizable, engaged following are essential qualities for success in this role. Additionally, Vols must demonstrate professionalism, adaptability, and a deep understanding of current market dynamics to deliver measurable impact for collaborating brands.

We seek professionals to collaborate with esteemed Medical Associations, fostering partnerships that advance healthcare excellence. Qualified candidates must possess a strong background in medicine, public health, or a closely related discipline, along with proven leadership experience in organizational settings. Responsibilities include representing the association at conferences, developing policy recommendations, and facilitating communication between healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public. Strong interpersonal skills, a commitment to advocacy, and the ability to analyze complex medical and regulatory issues are essential for success in this role.

Distributors are responsible for managing the supply chain process, ensuring that products are delivered to customers in a timely and efficient manner. They oversee inventory levels, coordinate with suppliers and vendors, and maintain accurate records of transactions. Key responsibilities include negotiating contracts, optimizing logistics, and resolving any delivery or quality issues that may arise. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure are essential. A background in supply chain management, logistics, or a related field is typically required, along with proficiency in inventory management software and data analysis tools. Effective communication and problem-solving abilities are also crucial for success in this role.

Governmental agencies seek highly skilled professionals to administer public programs, enforce regulations, and provide essential services to constituents. Candidates must possess strong analytical abilities, exceptional communication skills, and a deep understanding of policy frameworks to navigate complex bureaucratic environments. Additionally, proficiency in data analysis, budget management, and stakeholder engagement is required to ensure efficient program delivery and compliance with legal standards. The role demands adaptability to evolving regulations, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to ethical governance and public accountability. Prior experience in public administration, regulatory compliance, or related fields is strongly preferred.

Proficient understanding of key principles, methodologies, and technical competencies pertinent to the role is required. Candidates must possess a comprehensive skill set aligned with the position’s core functions, including specialized knowledge in relevant fields. Demonstrated ability to apply expertise effectively in practical scenarios is essential, along with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Familiarity with industry standards, best practices, and emerging trends is also necessary to ensure optimal performance and innovation.

A bachelor’s degree serves as the minimum qualification for this role; an advanced degree, such as an MBA or a master’s in life sciences, is highly advantageous.

With a minimum of seven to ten years of steadily advancing commercial expertise, preferably within the pharmaceutical sector, candidates should possess this level of experience.

Proficiency in work experience or educational qualifications obtained beyond Kenya’s borders is considered advantageous.

Fluency in English and at least one additional local language, such as Swahili, is required.

Professionals with substantial experience operating in highly matrixed organizational structures and collaborating across diverse functional teams are encouraged to apply.

Experienced in supervising teams and providing leadership direction is required.

Demonstrated proficiency in forecasting methodologies and budget management is required.

With a strong entrepreneurial spirit, initiative, and exceptional problem-solving abilities, the ideal candidate will demonstrate the drive and resourcefulness needed to thrive in this dynamic role.

Demonstrates strong organizational skills to effectively manage time and prioritize tasks while consistently achieving quality standards and meeting established deadlines.

Proficient in delivering clear, concise, and compelling communication—through both written documentation and oral presentations—ensuring alignment and understanding across all stakeholders.

Seeking an individual eager to contribute within a tight-knit, collaborative, and unified team environment.

Candidates must consistently demonstrate behaviors that align with the J&J Global Leadership Profile, such as integrity rooted in the company’s credo, a commitment to collaboration and teamwork, a proactive sense of urgency, and a results-oriented mindset. Additionally, they should foster a culture of diversity and inclusion in all professional interactions.

Core qualifications essential for this position encompass advanced proficiency in project management methodologies, exceptional analytical and problem-solving capabilities, and strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Candidates must demonstrate a proven track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget, along with expertise in risk assessment and mitigation strategies. The ideal applicant will possess a minimum of five years of relevant experience in a leadership capacity, a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and familiarity with industry-specific tools and software. Additionally, the role demands adaptability to evolving business needs, a commitment to continuous professional development, and the ability to mentor junior team members to foster a high-performance culture.

We are seeking individuals with a proactive and results-driven mindset, characterized by their entrepreneurial spirit and a strong track record of accomplishment.

Dynamic leadership and strategic talent cultivation are essential responsibilities of this role. The position demands a strong commitment to fostering a high-performing team through mentorship, coaching, and targeted development initiatives. Additionally, it requires the ability to identify skill gaps, implement growth plans, and empower team members to reach their full potential while aligning their aspirations with organizational objectives.

Proficient in delivering clear and compelling messages through both oral and written communication channels.

Exceptional proficiency in fostering productive relationships and communication with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders is essential.

Accomplished stakeholder engagement and client relationship development with exceptional interpersonal and communication proficiencies are essential for this role.

Managing Complexity involves overseeing intricate systems, processes, or projects that require careful analysis and strategic decision-making to ensure efficient operations and achieve desired outcomes. This role demands a keen ability to identify key challenges, prioritize tasks, and implement solutions that address multifaceted issues while maintaining alignment with organizational goals. Candidates must possess strong problem-solving skills, adaptability to dynamic environments, and exceptional organizational capabilities to navigate uncertainty and drive continuous improvement. Experience in coordinating cross-functional teams, optimizing workflows, and leveraging data-driven insights is essential for success in this position.

A strong commitment to ethical business practices and maintaining the highest standards of integrity is essential.

Fluent proficiency in English and Swahili is required.

Qualifications

BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA

Experience Required

7 - 10 years

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