Business Unit Head (CHC) – Gulf Region

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Established in 1836, Acino is a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Zurich, with a clear focus on selected markets in the Middle East, Africa, the CIS Region and Latin America. With over 3,000 people across 90 countries, we deliver quality pharmaceuticals to promote affordable healthcare in these emerging markets and leverage our high-quality pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and network to supply leading companies through contract manufacturing and out-licensing.

Acino is part of Arcera, a diversified life sciences holding company, established by ADQ in Abu Dhabi in 2024 with the purpose to advance innovation in line with the Emirate’s 2030 vision for the sector and beyond.

The Position

The Role

The position is based in Dubai, UAE and will report directly to Cluster Head – Gulf Region. The role will be responsible for leading and accelerating the growth of the Consumer Health Care (CHC) business in Gulf through the development and execution of winning marketing, sales, and commercial strategies. This role is accountable for delivering sustainable and profitable growth across OTC Portfolio. It requires excellence in portfolio and channel strategy, launch execution, and omnichannel marketing, underpinned by deep insight into the Gulf business environment.

Your Opportunities

  • Lead the CHC Business Unit with full accountability for sales, profit, market share, and growth objectives.
  • Develop and implement annual and long-term business plans aligned with regional and corporate strategies.
  • Ensure optimal positioning of CHC products through localized pricing, placement, and promotion strategies.
  • Continuously monitor market trends, consumer insights, and competitive intelligence to adapt strategies accordingly.
  • Develop differentiated go-to-market strategies for pharmacy, modern trade, and e-commerce channels.
  • Drive marketing excellence and consistent brand building through integrated campaigns.
  • Champion successful product launches, line extensions, and brand lifecycle management.
  • Ensure full alignment with regulatory and medical affairs to deliver compliant and relevant consumer communications.
  • Translate insights and data into actionable commercial initiatives.
  • Maximize retail visibility and shopper conversion through best-in-class execution.
  • Contribute to strategic portfolio shaping and business case development.
  • Assist in providing on-the-ground insights, shaping opportunity assessments, and supporting the localization of regional expansion strategies.
  • Evaluate proposed pipeline and portfolio expansion initiatives by balancing regional priorities with local market dynamics, regulatory feasibility, and unmet consumer or patient needs. Lead market entry assessments for new categories, brands, or partnerships.
  • Build and lead a high-performing cross-functional CHC team with strong marketing, sales, trade, and digital capabilities.
  • Set clear objectives, KPIs, and development plans for team members.
  • Deliver revenue, gross margin, and EBITDA targets with rigorous financial discipline.
  • Optimize resource allocation across A&P, trade terms, and customer investments.
  • Ensure timely monitoring of P&L and course-correct as needed.
  • Ensure the our values form a foundation for daily operations and help guide decisions as well as contribute towards shaping the team culture.
  • Ensure compliance with all SOPs including forwarding of all received Product Quality Complaints, Adverse Events and Medical Enquiries to the relevant person in Quality Assurance/ Pharmacovigilance/ Medical Affairs.
  • Completion of all assigned training within the specified timelines.

Who You Are

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Pharmacy or Life Sciences; MBA or marketing postgrad is an advantage.
  • Minimum 5 years of senior commercial leadership experience in CHC, FMCG, or pharmaceuticals.
  • Demonstrated success in delivering top and bottom-line growth through brand and portfolio leadership.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams and working with regional/global stakeholders.
  • Background in trade marketing, shopper insights, and modern retail preferred.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams and working with regional/global stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated success in product launches, sales force execution, and achieving commercial objectives.
  • Strong commercial acumen and understanding of the pharmaceutical business model.
  • Excellent leadership and coaching skills to manage and develop high-performing teams.
  • Ability to translate strategy into execution, with a focus on results and accountability.
  • Proficient in project management, sales analytics, and decision-making based on data insights.
  • Strong communication, stakeholder management, and interpersonal skills.
  • Digital mindset and experience using omnichannel tools for HCP engagement and promotion.

We Are Acino

At Acino, we push the boundaries to deliver high-quality pharmaceutical products that improve patients’ lives. Driven by our collective purpose to provide access to medicines to those in need, our strength lies in our unique expertise and presence in emerging and high-growth markets. We are proud to be challenging the status quo in the pharmaceutical industry, always looking ahead to the future with an open mind.

Join Acino, a dynamic and rapidly growing environment where your contributions can make a real difference.

Acino is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How To Apply

Note that only direct applications via our HR system (follow the link above) will be considered.