The Commercial Team

Within a pharmaceutical company, the commercial team manages the firm's sales and marketing operations. Their primary goal is to ensure that the company's target audience is aware of their products and eager to invest.

The commercial team is typically involved in all sorts of different operations, from planning PR/advertising campaigns to digesting the latest pharmaceutical industry regulations and holding meetings with potential clients.

All of this is overseen by the Commercial Director.

What Does a Commercial Director Do?

A pharmaceutical company's Commercial Director leads the commercial team and makes sure they're achieving revenue targets, securing new business opportunities, and upholding the company's high standards.

Your day-to-day work as a Commercial Director will be varied, but key duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing commercial strategies that align with the company's goals and objectives.
  
  
• Leading the pursuit of new business opportunities, the negotiation of complex contracts and the cultivation of long-term client relationships.
  
  
• Fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with suitable organisations.
  
  
• Ensuring that clients see the company as a trusted partner.
  
  
• Building and leading a high-performing commercial team.
  
  
• Providing guidance on industry trends, client needs and effective sales strategies.
  
  
• Keeping up with pharmaceutical regulations and compliance requirements, and ensuring that all commercial activities adhere to the relevant industry standards.

What is the difference between a Sales Director and a Commercial Director?

A Sales Director's key role is to meet sales targets whereas Commercial Directors are more concerned with the general growing of the business, which includes identifying new opportunities for the sales team.

Commercial Director Job Requirements

To secure a role as a Commercial Director in the pharma industry, your CV should include some or all of the following:

• A relevant degree in a scientific discipline such as Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Management, etc.
  
  
• Proven industry experience in a senior commercial leadership role within the pharmaceutical industry.
  
  
• Prior experience working with a Pharmaceutical CDMO or services company.
  
  
• Experience leading commercial negotiations and activities via third parties and/or out-licensing engagements.
  
  
• Proven success in driving business development and sales within a CDMO environment via a team.