Country Lead Italy
Location: Italy (Field-based)
Contract type: Permanent
Company: A leading international pharmaceutical company specialized in orphan drugs
Please send your CV in English only.
About the role
On behalf of our client, we are looking for a dynamic Country Lead Italy to take on a strategic and operational role in the Orphan Drug Division for a product in Neurology. This unique position offers the opportunity to serve as the single point of contact in Italy, liaising directly with the global team while building strong relationships with local stakeholders. The role combines scientific expertise, strategic thinking, operational execution, and a customer-focused mindset to enhance disease awareness, patient care, and access to treatment.
The ideal candidate will be field-oriented, dedicating at least four days per week to field activities across Italy. With a competitive bonus scheme, car allowance, and a structured selection process, this highly visible role provides a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the rare disease space.
Requirements:
* Degree in life sciences and valid driving license is mandatory.
* Sales Experience: at least 4 years’ experience in pharmaceutical sales, ideally in specialty care or orphan drugs, with a particular focus on key account management and achieving business targets.
* Key Account Management: the ideal candidate will have experience in managing key business accounts, with a strong ability to allocate resources, develop budgets and action plans, and define priorities.
* Flexibility: This is a hybrid role, requiring both hands-on operational duties and a solid business management background. The candidate should be able to combine daily operational management with a strategic and managerial vision.
* English Proficiency: A strong command of both written and spoken English is essential, as the position involves direct communication with the global team. A lack of proficiency or fluency in English may result in exclusion from the selection process.
* Native-level Italian is mandatory.
* Leadership and Communication: The candidate should be capable of leading cross-functional teams and communicating effectively across all levels of the organization, including both internal and external stakeholders.
* Knowledge of local compliance regulations constitute a plus: Familiarity with Italian regulatory and compliance requirements to ensure all activities are performed in line with national standards
Responsibilities:
* Act as the national reference for all commercial, promotional and patient care initiatives in Italy.
* Build and maintain strong partnerships with key opinion leaders, treatment centers, and patient associations.
* Map and understand the Italian patient journey to identify barriers and opportunities for improved care.
* Manage and develop the business strategy in Italy, in collaboration with the global team.
* Analyze and allocate resources effectively to maximize performance and achieve business objectives.
* Develop strategic action plans, following company priorities and market needs. Collaborate effectively with regional medical, marketing, and market access functions to implement impactful programs.
* Execute tailored field initiatives aligned with global and regional strategies, ensuring compliance with national regulations.
* Coordinate the annual budget, consistently monitoring results and adapting the strategy where necessary.
* Successfully complete all mandatory training, testing, and product certifications within the specified time frames, ensuring full compliance with company standards and local requirements.
If you are a dynamic professional with experience in sales and key account management, and you are comfortable working in a hybrid role with a strong focus on results, the Country Lead Italy position might be the perfect fit for you.
What We Offer
* A unique opportunity to represent and lead all activities related to an orphan drug in Neurology within the Italian market, in close connection with regional and global teams.
* A highly visible role offering autonomy, impact, and daily interaction with diverse healthcare stakeholders.
* Competitive bonus program.
* Car allowance.
* A structured international recruitment process.
Culture and Values
Our client fosters a culture built on integrity, collaboration, and accountability.
Every team member is expected to act with transparency, share insights openly, and uphold the highest ethical standards in every interaction.
The company values curiosity and continuous learning, promoting a growth mindset and a commitment to excellence.
Above all, the organization remains deeply patient-focused, ensuring that every action contributes to improving the lives of those affected by rare diseases.