HEAD OF COMMERCIAL EXCELLENCE

About the role

Bamboohr is a pharmaceutical company with a focus on bringing innovative therapies to patients across multiple markets, and the Head of Commercial Excellence serves as a senior leader responsible for shaping and driving the commercial strategy at the company. This role oversees the commercial excellence function, which encompasses performance improvement, market access optimization, and the development of commercial capabilities across the organization. The position is based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, and forms part of the senior leadership team that guides Bamboohr's commercial direction. The Head of Commercial Excellence works closely with cross-functional partners to ensure that commercial operations are aligned with the company's broader strategic objectives and growth ambitions.

Key facts

What you'll do

Lead the design and end-to-end execution of commercial excellence programs that span the full organization and all business units

Partner closely with commercial teams across regions to identify specific opportunities for performance improvement and operational enhancement

Drive the implementation of industry best practices in commercial operations, ensuring consistency and efficiency in all processes

Analyze comprehensive market data and commercial performance metrics to inform strategic decisions and guide resource allocation

Collaborate with cross-functional leaders in medical affairs, market access, and sales to align commercial strategies with overarching business objectives

Oversee the development of commercial capabilities through structured training initiatives, coaching, and knowledge-sharing programs for the broader team

Monitor and report on key commercial performance indicators to senior leadership, providing actionable insights and recommendations for improvement

Champion a culture of continuous improvement within the commercial organization, encouraging innovation and the adoption of new methodologies

Manage relationships with external partners, healthcare stakeholders, and industry collaborators to support the achievement of commercial goals

Guide the commercial team in adopting new digital tools, technologies, and methodologies that enable sustainable growth and market expansion

Ensure all commercial activities comply with internal governance standards and external regulatory requirements applicable in the South African market

Coordinate with the finance and planning teams to develop commercial budgets, forecasts, and business cases that support strategic priorities

Requirements

Demonstrated leadership experience in a commercial or pharmaceutical environment, with a proven track record of delivering measurable results in a senior capacity

Strong understanding of commercial operations, market access, and performance improvement frameworks, with the ability to apply these in a practical and impactful manner

Demonstrated ability to analyze complex data sets and translate quantitative insights into clear, actionable strategies that drive commercial performance and growth

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills at the executive level, with the capacity to influence and guide decision-making across the organization

Substantial experience leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing commercial teams in a fast-paced and results-driven corporate environment

A relevant tertiary degree in business administration, pharmacy, life sciences, or a closely related discipline from a recognized institution

Proven track record of driving commercial growth, operational excellence, and transformation initiatives across multiple markets and geographic regions

Willingness and ability to work on-site in Johannesburg, Gauteng, as the primary and permanent location for this role

Nice to have

Experience working in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry, with a particular focus on commercial functions, market strategy, and product launch

Familiarity with the South African market dynamics, including the local regulatory environment and the competitive landscape for pharmaceutical products

Background in data analytics, commercial intelligence, or business insights functions within a corporate or enterprise-level organization

Previous exposure to cross-border or multi-market commercial operations, including international business development and regional expansion initiatives

Skills & tools

Proficiency in commercial performance analysis, reporting, and the interpretation of complex business data to support decision-making

Strong command of Microsoft Office suite, including advanced Excel skills, as well as familiarity with business intelligence platforms

Hands-on experience with CRM systems and sales force automation tools to manage commercial pipelines and track performance

Solid knowledge of market research methodologies, competitive intelligence gathering, and the application of insights to commercial planning

Familiarity with project management and process improvement frameworks such as Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies

Ability to design, build, and present executive-level dashboards and reports that communicate key commercial insights clearly

Practical notes

This is a full-time position based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, and the role is not remote or work-from-home eligible

The role requires regular and consistent on-site presence at the Johannesburg office, with a standard full-time schedule

Candidates should be prepared to work within the standard South African business hours, which typically run from Monday to Friday

The hiring process may include multiple rounds of interviews with senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders at Bamboohr

Bamboohr is committed to equal opportunity employment and welcomes applications from all qualified professionals regardless of background

Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide references, portfolio materials, or complete additional assessments as part of the evaluation process