Head of Sales, Ruminants

About the role

Elanco, a global leader in animal health, is looking for a Head of Sales, Ruminants based in Johannesburg or Centurion, Gauteng. You will lead the commercial activities across intensive and extensive ruminant sectors, including feedlots, dairy, beef, sheep and pasture-based production, owning the business unit's commercial strategy, profit performance and execution. The role also provides strategic leadership across the wider affiliate.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute multi-year and annual commercial plans, accountable for profit and loss, operating expenses, revenue growth and market share.
• Lead the commercial and technical positioning of the ruminant portfolio, including parasiticides, vaccines, antimicrobials, feed additives, metabolic therapeutics and technical diagnostic services.
• Build strategic relationships with feedlots, dairy integrators, veterinary wholesalers, cooperatives, distributors, buying groups, producers, veterinarians and academic experts.
• Use market intelligence and customer insights to identify growth opportunities, guide brand and lifecycle strategies and respond to disease trends, commodity cycles and competitor activity.
• Recruit, coach and retain a sales and technical field team through performance management, CRM, sales effectiveness and field coaching.

Required profile

• Veterinary degree (BVSc, BVMCh, DVM or equivalent) with current or eligible registration with the South African Veterinary Council.
• 7-10 years of progressive experience in the animal health or veterinary pharmaceutical industry.
• 2-3 years of senior commercial management, sales leadership or business unit leadership, with sustained revenue and market share growth.
• In-depth knowledge of ruminant therapeutics, livestock production systems, feedlot operations, pasture-based dairy and parasite control programmes.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in an international matrix organisation.

Preferred qualifications

• MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification in business, commercial management or marketing.
• Strong understanding of disease epidemiology and livestock health in Southern Africa.
• Experience leading customer seminars, field trials or farmer training programmes.
• Fluent English and Afrikaans, and experience with South African agricultural stakeholders.

Travel is approximately 40-50% nationally, with international travel as required; evening and weekend agricultural events may also be needed.