Country Manager – Tanzania

Job Title: Country Manager - Tanzania

Region Covered: East Africa (Primary focus: Tanzania)

Business Unit: Molecular / Diagnostics

Contracted with IQVIA

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced and commercially driven Country Manager to lead and grow our Molecular Diagnostics business in Tanzania. This is a senior leadership role with full commercial, operational, and people management responsibility, requiring deep knowledge of the local healthcare ecosystem, strong engagement with government and laboratory funders, and the ability to design and execute country-specific sales and market access strategies.

The ideal candidate will have strong industry experience, a solid understanding of public and private healthcare funding mechanisms, established relationships within the Ministry of Health and laboratory stakeholders, and proven leadership capability to drive sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Strategic Leadership

• Partner closely with the Managing Director to define, develop, and execute a Tanzania-specific strategy to profitably grow the Molecular Diagnostics business across public and private sectors.
• Define and implement long-range strategic plans, ensuring objectives are achieved and aligned with regional and global priorities.
• Establish comprehensive sales strategies and execute all tactics required to achieve revenue, profitability, and market share targets.
• Hold full P&L responsibility, including forecasting, performance tracking, and achievement of revenue targets.
• Prepare, present, and manage annual business plans, providing periodic updates as required.
• Ensure all operations are conducted in a legal, ethical, and compliant manner, in line with regulatory and compliance requirements.

Sales Excellence & Operational Management

• Lead, coach, and manage a team of Sales Executives and Ambassadors, driving execution excellence and consistent performance.
• Execute sales plans to achieve revenue growth, improved profitability, higher win-rates, and increased share of wallet with existing customers.
• Propose and manage human and financial resource allocation to ensure maximum productivity.
• Monitor and control budgets and expenditure against approved allocations.
• Support field teams with contract negotiations, particularly on pricing and profitability.
• Act as a trusted advisor and senior contact for key customers.
• Manage customer escalations end-to-end, ensuring timely resolution.
• Ensure effective use of salesforce management systems, KPIs, incentive plans, and performance management tools.

Government, Funders & Market Access

• Build and maintain strong relationships with:
  • Ministry of Health and government agencies
  • Regulatory bodies
  • Public and private laboratories
  • Local and international laboratory funders and donors
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of Tanzania’s healthcare funding mechanisms, procurement processes, and reimbursement environment.
• Navigate public tenders, donor-funded programs, and national laboratory initiatives.
• Position the organization as a strategic partner within the Tanzanian healthcare system.

Customer & KOL Engagement

• Establish and implement structured Key Opinion Leader (KOL) engagement plans in collaboration with Marketing.
• Maintain regular engagement with top KOLs, laboratory leadership, and C-suite stakeholders.
• Implement monitoring mechanisms to track the effectiveness of KOL engagement.
• Maintain strong insight into market dynamics, pricing challenges, reimbursement models, and competitive landscape.
• Translate market data and insights into actionable growth strategies.

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Develop, motivate, and challenge teams to deliver high performance and accountability.
• Identify and develop high-potential (HIPO) talent, with clear development and succession plans.
• Build leadership capability through active coaching and mentoring.
• Drive rewards, recognition, and engagement initiatives aligned with company culture.
• Foster a collaborative, ethical, and results-driven working environment.

Required Knowledge & Experience

• Minimum 6 years’ experience in a senior commercial or country leadership role.
• At least 3-4 years’ proven people management experience.
• Strong commercial and operational background in healthcare, preferably IVD, Diagnostics, Molecular, or related markets.
• Demonstrated experience within the Tanzanian healthcare market, including public sector engagement.
• Proven understanding of local laboratory funding and donor mechanisms.
• Established relationships with KOLs, laboratories, and healthcare stakeholders are a strong advantage.
• Proven ability to develop and execute country-specific sales strategies.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, financial analysis, and communication skills.
• Ability to operate effectively within a matrix and multi-stakeholder environment.

Qualifications

• University degree in Medical Technology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
• Understanding of the Molecular Diagnostics sales process is highly advantageous.
• Strong business planning, project management, and analytical skills.
• High level of accountability, agility, and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong business acumen with a results-driven mindset.
• Experience in finance or strong analytical capability will be an advantage.

Why Join Us

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a high-impact diagnostics business in Tanzania, shape national strategy, build influential partnerships, and develop high-performing teams while contributing to improved patient access and healthcare outcomes.

#LI-DNP #LI-CES

IQVIA is a leading global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries. We create intelligent connections to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments to help improve patient outcomes and population health worldwide. Learn more at https://jobs.iqvia.com

IQVIA is committed to integrity in our hiring process and maintains a zero tolerance policy for candidate fraud. All information and credentials submitted in your application must be truthful and complete. Any false statements, misrepresentations, or material omissions during the recruitment process will result in immediate disqualification of your application, or termination of employment if discovered later, in accordance with applicable law. We appreciate your honesty and professionalism.