Business Unit Head: Rare Disease & Insulin

Business Unit Head, Insulin & Rare Disease 
South Africa 

Shape the future of diabetes and rare disease care across South Africa, leading strategies that bring life-saving treatments to the patients who need them most. 

Your new role 

As BU Head for Insulin & Rare Disease, you'll drive commercial success while making a tangible difference in patients' lives. Leading a team of key account managers and brand specialists, you'll shape how we engage with South Africa's healthcare landscape—from public sector institutions to private healthcare professionals. This role requires an entrepreneurial mindset to unlock opportunities in a rapidly evolving market. 

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Developing and implementing tailored sales strategies for insulin and rare disease products that align with regional and organizational objectives 

• Opportunity to work on an exciting launch in the RareD space 

• Building and maintaining strategic relationships with healthcare professionals, key opinion leaders, hospitals, pharmacies, and public sector institutions 

• Leading and inspiring a team of 6 direct reports, including key account managers and brand managers, to achieve ambitious sales targets 

• Monitoring market trends, competitor activities, and healthcare system dynamics to identify growth opportunities and adjust strategies accordingly 

• Leveraging data-driven insights and digital tools to optimize customer engagement and streamline sales processes 

• Ensuring all activities comply with company policies, industry regulations, and ethical sales practices 

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams including medical affairs, market access, supply chain, and legal to ensure seamless execution 

Your new department 

Within International Operations, the Insulin & Rare Disease team focuses on ensuring patients across South Africa have access to our life-saving treatments. You'll work at the intersection of public and private healthcare sectors, navigating complex systems to deliver solutions that truly matter. Your team plays a critical role in shaping market access and driving education and uptake for both our current portfolio and future innovations. 

Your skills & qualifications 

We're seeking a strategic leader with deep pharmaceutical experience and an entrepreneurial spirit. You'll be someone who thrives in dynamic environments and is passionate about improving patient outcomes. You'll bring with you: 

• Minimum 5 years of sales and leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with a proven track record of managing and developing high-performing teams 

• Demonstrated success in Business Unit/Franchise Management 

• Strong understanding of healthcare systems, including public sector dynamics and key account management at senior levels 

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Business Administration, or a related field (advanced degree is preferred) 

• Strategic sales planning capabilities with the ability to develop tailored approaches for complex market environments 

• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience building trusted partnerships with healthcare professionals, hospitals, and public institutions 

• Strong analytical mindset with proficiency in leveraging sales data and market insights to inform decision-making 

• Outstanding communication and influencing skills, with the ability to convey complex medical and product information clearly and persuasively 

• Adaptability and problem-solving abilities to navigate dynamic market conditions and resolve challenges effectively 

• Comprehensive knowledge of industry regulations and compliance requirements to ensure ethical sales practices 

Working at Novo Nordisk 

Every day we seek the solutions that defeat serious chronic diseases. To do this, we approach our work with determination, constant curiosity and a commitment to finding better ways forward. For over 100 years, this dedication has driven us to build a company focused on lasting change for long-term health. One where diverse thinking, shared purpose and mutual respect come together to create extraordinary results. When you join us, you're not just starting a job – you're becoming part of a story that spans generations. 

What we offer 

There is, of course, more on offer here than the uniqueness of our culture and the extraordinary results we produce. Being part of a global healthcare company means opportunities to learn and develop are all around us, while our benefits are designed with your career and life stage in mind. 

Deadline 

Please apply before June 7th, 2026