Brand Manager

Company Description
We are a global specialty and branded pharmaceutical company, improving the health of patients across the world through our high quality and affordable medicines. Active at every stage of the value chain, we are uniquely diversified by geography, product and manufacturing capability.

Aspen is a dynamic organization built on entrepreneurial strength and forward-thinking minds. We attract high performing individuals who are passionate about their career and have a desire to exceed expectations. At Aspen, not only do we source for the best talent, but we also provide a host of opportunities for continuous development.

The Group's key business segments are Manufacturing and Commercial Pharmaceuticals comprising Regional Brands and Sterile Focus Brands. We have approximately 9 100 employees at 69 established offices in over 50 countries and we improve the health of patients in more than 150 countries through our high quality, affordable medicines.

OBJECTIVE OF ROLE
Drive sustainable, profitable growth of the product portfolios/ therapeutic categories with appropriate strategic direction, brand stewardship, tactical implementation and commercial acumen.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop GIT, Respiratory and Allergy portfolio/brand strategy for sustainable business growth and profitability
• Anticipate future trends in GIT, Respiratory and Allergy and the market environment
• Develop promotional and advertising strategies that grow brand market shares against competitors in all channels (pharmacy, retail, wholesale and informal trade)
• Analysis of the market, HCP & patient behaviours and development of insights that are applied to develop robust brand plans
• Provide creative direction for brand/ portfolios strategies and tactics whilst managing Agency outcomes
• Implementation, monitoring and measurement of the success of the developed strategies and to ensure that they are flexible to adapt to a dynamic environment
• Successful implementation and monitoring of the roll out of the above with the required measurements in place for successful outcomes
• Enthusiastically always communicate plans and results with the business leadership and relevant teams within the business
• Drive, lead and take accountability for the budgeting process, control of A&P expenditure and achievement of financial targets
• Develop and implement pricing strategies that ensure healthy profit margins and competitive advantage for the GIT, Respiratory and Allergy portfolio.
• Continuously communicate with and support the sales teams with high levels of integrity and urgency to help them achieve sales targets
• Ability to manage the cross functional networks and channel resources for the portfolio to drive profitable growth with the required and shared accountability to achieve business targets
• Understand, challenge and implement the regulatory requirements to develop and implement strategies and tactics that drive brand growth
• Forecasting accuracy and stock management which entails minimizing stock write-off costs and returns
• Using insights acquired both internally and externally to accurately assess market potential for new product introductions and/or renovations of existing products
• Managing and taking the lead/accountability in driving the New Product Launch process together with the relevant stakeholders like NPL, Demand Planning, Regulatory Affairs, Medical and others
• Lead and utilise both internal and external conferences, congresses to position GIT, Respiratory and Allergy portfolio as foremost in the market
• Sense of urgency in resolution of customer queries

Educational Requirements

• Matric
• Commercial/Marketing bachelors degree preferred

Knowledge & Experience Requirements

• 2 - 3 years preferred marketing management experience
• 3+ years pharmaceutical marketing industry experience
• Relevant therapeutic area knowledge a definite advantage
• Understanding and experience in relevant market of portfolio operation is important
• Sound financial acumen
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Word

Soft Skills And Competency Requirements

• Commercial acumen
• Digital marketing skills
• Analytical skills
• Project management
• Networking ability
• Interpersonal skills
• Ability to perform under pressure
• Self-starter and self-motivated
• Sense of urgency
• Prioritizing and planning
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Aptitude for continuous learning
• Influential and impactful presentation skills
• Adaptability and flexibility in a changing environment

DRIVERS LICENCE
The successful candidate must have a valid driver's license and be able to travel as per the expectations of the role.

FEEDBACK
Please note that if you have not heard from the Human Capital department within 30 days of this advert closing, your application has unfortunately been unsuccessful.

INTERNAL APPLICATIONS
Internal Applications must be completed using an Aspen mailing address after applicants have had informed their direct line managers of their application for this specific role.

Aspen is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity. Preference will be given to Employment Equity candidates in line with Aspen's Transformation Agenda.