Regional Access & Launch Manager

Role Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Regional Access & Launch Manager to lead market access, product launches, and commercialisation strategies for rare disease and advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with a primary focus on the GCC markets. Reporting to the Regional Head for the Middle East and North Africa, this high-impact role will serve as a critical bridge between innovative biotech partners and the complex healthcare ecosystems of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment, driving end-to-end commercialisation solutions while ensuring patient access to life-changing therapies.

Key Responsibilities

Market Access & Pricing Strategy

In this pivotal role, you will develop and execute tailored market access strategies for rare disease and ATMP portfolios, ensuring alignment with the unique regulatory and reimbursement landscapes of the GCC. Your responsibilities will include:

• Engaging with key regulatory and reimbursement bodies, including the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), National Health Insurance Company (NHIC), Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DHA), and Ministry of Health Kuwait, to secure optimal funding and reimbursement outcomes.
• Designing and implementing health economic and outcomes research (HEOR) strategies, including value propositions, budget impact models, and managed entry agreements, to support reimbursement decisions for high-cost therapies.
• Monitoring and adapting to evolving reimbursement policies, Health Technology Assessment (HTA) frameworks, and national rare disease initiatives to proactively refine access strategies.
• Collaborating with biotech partners to develop evidence-based dossiers that meet local regulatory and payer requirements, including outcomes-based agreements and patient support programme designs.

Product Launch & Commercial Execution

You will lead the integrated launch planning and execution for new rare disease and ATMP assets, ensuring seamless coordination across cross-functional teams. Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and implementing launch readiness frameworks, key performance indicators (KPIs), and go-to-market timelines in close collaboration with biotech partners and internal stakeholders.
• Driving commercial performance through strategic account management, forecasting, and engagement with key opinion leaders, treating centres, and patient advocacy groups.
• Establishing compliant and patient-centric access pathways, including early access programmes, compassionate use, and named patient supply, to ensure timely patient access to therapies.
• Strengthening and expanding Uniphar’s network of local distributors and third-party vendors across GCC markets, while identifying opportunities for regional growth into additional MENA countries.

Business Development & Asset Evaluation

As a strategic contributor to our business development efforts, you will identify, evaluate, and prioritise new asset and partnership opportunities within the rare disease and ATMP space. Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting comprehensive opportunity assessments and due diligence reviews, including market sizing, patient population mapping, competitive landscape analysis, pricing benchmarking, and revenue modelling.
• Developing and presenting compelling investment cases to senior leadership to support partnership decisions and resource allocation.
• Building and maintaining a robust network of biotech and pharmaceutical partners, advisors, and ecosystem stakeholders to drive deal sourcing and pipeline development.

Qualifications & Experience

To excel in this role, you will bring a blend of commercial acumen, scientific expertise, and deep regional market knowledge. The ideal candidate will possess:

• A degree in a scientific, healthcare, or business-related field, with a strong preference for candidates with experience in rare diseases, ATMPs, or related therapeutic areas.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in market access, commercialisation, or business development within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, with a focus on the MENA or GCC region.
• Proven expertise in payer engagement, reimbursement strategy, and HEOR, with a track record of successfully navigating complex regulatory and HTA landscapes.
• Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to drive cross-functional collaboration and deliver results in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels, from biotech partners to senior leadership and regulatory authorities.
• Fluency in English is essential; additional proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable.

Why Join Us?

As a key member of our team, you will play a central role in shaping the commercialisation strategies for groundbreaking therapies that transform patient lives. You will work alongside a talented and passionate group of professionals dedicated to advancing healthcare in the MENA region. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while growing your career in a dynamic and innovative organisation.