Job Title: Chief Commercial Officer Ireland | Country Manager
Company background:
Aspire Pharma (Aspire) is an asset-light pharmaceutical company, focused on licensing and developing products that offer innovative formulations, value for money for payors, and reliable supply arrangements in markets which are often underserved.
Following an investment by H.I.G. Capital in September 2021 and the acquisition of Morningside Pharma in October 2022, Aspire has become the UK’s leading niche generic pharmaceutical organisation. The business has a highly diversified portfolio of ~500 products across several categories, including branded specialty products and unbranded niche generics in therapeutic areas such as urology, ophthalmology, CNS and dermatology.
Aspire operates an asset-light model, outsourcing manufacturing and distribution while focusing on R&D, business development, and commercial execution. The business employs ~280 people across the UK, India, and Germany. Today, the business generates >€240m in revenue, with top quartile cash conversion to bottom line.
Aspire’s differentiated strategy of own R&D and in-licensing, separates it from other generic companies based on the three core pillars: (1) continue to develop the UK business through both the launch of products in the pipeline and bolt on M&A; (2) internationalise the business (organically and through strategic M&A); and (3) introduce more IP into the portfolio.
Job summary:
The Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Ireland, will be responsible for shaping and executing the commercial strategy to accelerate growth and profitability of a ~€200m generic & branded pharmaceutical business. With primary accountability for the Irish market and operational oversight of affiliate country managers across Europe (candidate experience dependent). The CCO will drive sustainable sales performance, enhance market share, and optimise the commercial operating model.
This role demands proven expertise in generics, hospital, brand and retail channels, requiring strong personnel leadership to align cross-functional teams in sales, marketing, market access.
Responsible and accountable for commercial decisions regarding all areas of Aspire’s Irish strategic and operational planning (including the recent acquisition of Caragen). The CCO is accountable to the CCO Europe, and their duties revolve around ensuring the success of the company through sales generation of the company’s generics, brands and hospital products, organisation structure and compliance and will take a lead role in Aspire’s Centre of Excellence in Ireland.
Leads the Irish senior management team and works cross-functionally to maximise outputs from business projects.
Key responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
Sets the strategic direction for the Commercial function by developing and driving a robust IE-focused commercial strategy with clear growth targets, aligned to Aspire’s vision
Creation and implementation of yearly business plans with business leads to exceed sales and profit goals through existing business, new business and product initiatives and the development of 5-year commercial business plan across core business areas.
Provide strategic oversight and support for affiliate country managers across Europe, ensuring alignment to group objectives (candidate experience dependent).
Drive portfolio optimisation and launch strategies for generic, value-added, medical devices and new launch initiatives included branded new chemical entity introduction.
Lead Irish Centre of Excellence; responsible for European sales support and supply via Functional Leads.
Sales & Business Growth
Lead the achievement of ambitious revenue and profit goals, accelerating growth >€30 turnover.
Identify and develop new revenue streams, partnerships, and customer opportunities in hospital, retail, and distribution channels.
Ensure effective sales execution through pricing strategies, tender management, and customer relationship excellence.
Compliance – maintaining awareness of existing and new legislation / guidance relating to EU and UK GMP, GDP, GVP and GCP; Medical Devices including all ISO activities relevant to medical devices including ISO13485 and ISO14971; Controlled Drugs; Nutritional Products; In Vitro Diagnostic Devices; Biocidal Products; and General Data Protection Regulations and the EU Data Protection Act.
Market Access & Commercial Excellence
Monitor market trends, regulatory changes, and competitor activities to anticipate risks and capitalise on opportunities.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with wholesalers, procurement bodies, hospital groups, and key opinion leaders.
Ensure commercial excellence in tendering, contracting, and pricing strategies across all markets.
People Leadership & Organisational Development
Lead and inspire a high-performing Irish commercial team (sales, marketing, market access, and international sales). Coaching and development of senior Commercial talent.
Provide operational guidance and coaching to European affiliate country managers (candidate experience dependent).
Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Collaborate with supply chain, finance, and regulatory teams to ensure seamless execution of business plans.
Factors:
Business Impact:
Head of function / job family for the organisation.
Establishes and implements mid- to long-term strategies, with direct impact on the achievement of organisational results.
Communication:
Frequently negotiates / compromises to influence internal / external parties who may have conflicting objectives to accept practices and approaches. Represents the "face" of the company to the public within area of expertise.
Financial / Budget Impact:
Decision maker with complete authority and accountability. No manager approval required.
Continuous Improvement:
Responsible for improving upon entire processes / systems, leveraging on personal past experiences and in-depth understanding of best practices in the marketplace that may improve the competitive position of the company.
Knowledge and Expertise:
Requires exceptional business and leadership knowledge. Typically has a broad substantive management experience across multiple professional disciplines. Applies this extensive knowledge to provide organisational thought leadership.
People Management:
Leads multiple teams of lower-level executives, senior managers and managers. Ensures appropriate selection and leadership for major areas. Coaches and develops talent.
Reporting lines:
Direct subordinates: 10
Job-holder Entry Essential requirements:
Education:
At least an undergraduate degree, preferably in business and/or science
Related Experience:
A strong, proven commercial background.
Significant senior management and leadership experience.
Able to generate new sales via a multichannel approach.
Special Knowledge / Skills:
Proven ability to plan, implement sales and marketing strategies, plans, forecasts and KPIs.
Experience of managing operational performance within financial budgets.
To manage customer relationships and measure customer satisfaction through customer insight programmes.
Able to measure and exceed performance results, within agreed budget.
Actively analyse sales performances against quotes and plans to determine effectiveness.
To oversee and evaluate market research and adjust the business strategy as required.
To manage and develop the sales, marketing teams and instil a culture of continuous improvement.
Deliver product launches and successful profit generation and identify market gaps to find further market opportunities.
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