Are you a strategic marketing leader passionate about driving patient outcomes and shaping the future of healthcare? We’re seeking a dynamic Head of Marketing to lead our client’s pharmaceutical brand into a new era of growth and innovation. If you thrive in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment and are ready to make a significant impact on lives, we want to hear from you.
Summary
The Head of Marketing will lead the development and execution of the marketing and e-commerce strategies at the company. This senior leadership role will oversee all strategic and operational activities within the marketing and e-commerce business segments, collaborating directly with the CEO to drive the company’s growth as a leader in the pharmacy space across Africa.
The Head of Marketing will be responsible for the following key areas:
- Brand building, public relations, and communications
- Consumer insights and loyalty programs
- Promotions and activations management
- Merchandising, branding, and customer experience
- E-commerce and digital strategy
In addition, the Head of Marketing will lead a team of functional managers, manage the operational budget, and oversee agency contracts. This role will also drive customer acquisition and retention strategies, enhance competitive advantage, and build a long-term, customer-centric culture. The Head of Marketing will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), which includes executives from purchasing & supply chain, HR, finance, and retail. The role reports directly to the CEO, representing the voice of the customer across all channels and geographies.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Marketing Leadership:
- Develop and lead the execution of a comprehensive omnichannel marketing strategy, including both traditional and digital marketing initiatives.
- Ensure alignment of marketing strategy with the company’s broader goals, maintaining a consistent brand voice across all touchpoints.
Brand & Consumer Insights:
- Oversee brand strategy, identity, and communication across all channels, including ATL/BTL campaigns, social media, influencer marketing, and key events.
- Leverage customer insights to continuously improve product offerings and marketing initiatives through research programs, surveys, focus groups, and data analysis.
- Monitor customer feedback and analytics (CX/NPS) to drive improvements in product offerings and customer experience.
Loyalty Program:
- Drive the growth and activation of our loyalty program by implementing strategic initiatives to increase membership acquisition, enhance program awareness, and encourage active participation.
- Design and/or refine the program’s structure to position it as a core driver of both revenue and customer loyalty, ensuring maximum ROI through targeted engagement and retention efforts.
E-Commerce Strategy & Management:
- Drive the digital transformation of the company, positioning it as a leader in e-pharmacy across the East African region.
- Develop and implement plans to grow and maximize e-commerce sales, focusing on customer acquisition, retention, and experience optimization.
- Lead and manage e-commerce platforms, ensuring seamless integration between online and offline channels to drive revenue growth.
Optimize digital acquisition and retention costs while improving the overall customer experience on digital platforms.
Team Leadership & Collaboration:
- Lead and develop a high-performing marketing team, including managers overseeing specific functional areas.
- Ensure effective cross-functional collaboration, especially with retail, supply chain, and operations, to drive improvements in customer experience and sales performance.
- Lead and manage the marketing budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for maximum impact.
Promotions & Campaigns:
- Oversee the planning and execution of promotional campaigns, including seasonal and discount sales, partnerships, and product activations.
- Monitor and improve planogramming strategies in collaboration with retail teams to enhance product placement and maximize ROI.
Public Relations & Company Voice:
- Act as the official spokesperson and primary public face of the company, handling all external communications, media relations, and PR activities.
- Develop and implement strategic PR campaigns to enhance the company’s reputation and brand image, establishing the company as a thought leader in the pharmacy and e-commerce space.
- Cultivate relationships with key external stakeholders, including the media, influencers, government bodies, and industry professionals.
Performance Measurement:
- Set and track KPIs for all marketing activities, including digital marketing and e-commerce performance.
- Report on the effectiveness of marketing initiatives, making recommendations for improvements based on performance data.
Qualifications:
- 15+ years of experience in marketing, retail operations, or related fields.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate strategy and drive decision-making across departments.
- Data-driven approach to problem-solving, with a focus on measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.
- Experience in consumer insights, market research, and customer segmentation.
- Proven experience in managing and scaling e-commerce platforms, with a focus on improving customer experience and driving revenue growth.
- Extensive experience in leading large teams, managing cross-functional collaboration, and influencing senior leadership decisions.
- A master’s degree in marketing, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred. An MBA is an advantage.
Desirable:
- Experience in a global retail pharmacy chain, grocery, FMCG, or similar retail sector.
- Experience in e-commerce
- Strong background in managing omnichannel marketing campaigns and large-scale promotional efforts.
International exposure, with a deep understanding of both developed and emerging market dynamics.
Skills & Traits:
- Collaborative and dynamic leadership style, with an ability to inspire teams and influence key stakeholders.
- Strategic mindset with a hands-on approach to execution and problem-solving.
- High level of creativity and energy with a strong focus on growth and innovation.
- Empathetic leader with a passion for understanding and solving consumer pain points.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.