Deputy General Manager or General Manager – Marketing (Derma)

About Shalina Healthcare:

We are one of the largest, privately owned pharmaceutical businesses across Africa (Global Head Quarters- Dubai, UAE) with recent forays across multiple, new lines of businesses including Diagnostics and Consumer Healthcare.

Over the last 40 years, operating across multiple geographies, we have made it our mission to provide quality medicines to those who need it the most. We manufacture and distribute branded prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical and consumer products, across a broad range of therapeutic groups, including anti-malarial, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, respiratory, gastrointestinal, nutrition, oral care, dermatology, sexual well-being, and antiseptic liquids & soaps. Leading brands, great teams and a focus on influencing the well-being of people have made Shalina a household name in Africa.

We have a track record few can match, and our brands are among the most trusted in Africa. We are proud of our history and have big ambitions for the future. Our vision for 2030 is to be the health champion of Sub-Saharan Africa. To achieve this, we are looking for the right people to join us and create a lasting impact not just within our company but on the communities that we serve; people who identify with our Core Values and are as passionate about our Mission as we are.

What you become a part of:

The successful candidate will lead the strategic and execution-driven growth of the Derma portfolio spanning Rx, OTx, and select trade-led growth engines. The role is responsible for shaping therapy-led brand strategy, driving portfolio prioritization, and ensuring best-in-class go-to-market execution across markets.

Reporting to the Head – Marketing (Pharma), this role combines therapy-level strategy ownership with hands-on execution, requiring strong cross-functional collaboration, commercial acumen, and the ability to scale Derma marketing performance across geographies.

What to expect:

1. Portfolio Leadership & Brand Accountability-

• Own and lead the Dermatology therapy portfolio.
• Define and manage portfolio architecture across key Derma segments, ensuring:
• Clear growth ambition for each brand.
• Defined role within the portfolio.
• Investment and lifecycle rationale.
• Drive brand prioritization and rationalization, ensuring focus on high-impact, scalable Derma brands.

2. Brand Strategy, ATL & POS Excellence-

• Develop and execute strong brand strategies across the Derma portfolio, covering
• Rx-focused medico marketing and scientific detailing.
• OTx / trade-led activation.
• ATL (where relevant) and digital marketing.
• POS and trade activation.
• Ensure marketing capability extends beyond traditional detailing to include:
• ATL planning and agency governance.
• POS marketing and in-shop activation.
• Packaging and brand visibility levers.
• Lead new product launches, extensions, and relaunches within the Derma portfolio.

3. Trade & Channel Alignment-

• Ensure strong alignment between:
• Derma marketing teams.
• Field force and Rx excellence.
• Trade marketing and institutional / KAM teams (where applicable).
• Partner with Commercial leadership to ensure:
• Clear accountability for outcomes.
• Aligned incentives.
• Strong ownership of brands despite channel overlap.

4. Performance Management & Governance-

• Own marketing performance reviews covering:
• Growth vs AOP.
• ROI on ATL and POS spends.
• Launch effectiveness and execution quality.
• Ensure strong governance across:
• Budgets and agency management.
• Brand standards and compliance.

Essential qualifications & experience:

• Postgraduate qualification in Management / Marketing / Business (MBA preferred).
• 12-15 years of experience in pharmaceutical marketing, particularly dermatology.
• Strong exposure to:
• ATL and POS marketing (not limited to medico detailing).
• Trade activation and visibility-driven growth models.
• Emerging/ frontier markets (Africa preferred).
• Proven ability to lead and influence senior marketing leaders.

Desired skills & attributes:

• Strong portfolio and prioritization mindset; comfortable saying no to low-impact brands.
• Deep understanding of ATL, POS, and different marketing models and when to deploy each.
• Commercially sharp with a strong ROI orientation.
• Confident leader with the ability to drive accountability without micromanaging.
• Comfortable operating in evolving structures.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a fast-growing, mission-led organization transforming healthcare access in Africa.
• Work alongside passionate teams with deep expertise and purpose.
• Gain exposure to cross-cultural operations, strategic growth projects, and innovation opportunities.

Application:

If this role is of interest to you, please upload a recent copy of your CV and a member of the Talent Acquisition team will be in touch. We believe that equal opportunities mean inclusion, diversity and fair treatment for all.