Head of Sales Oncology (UK & Ireland)

THE POSITION

As a key member of the Oncology Franchise Leadership Team, the Head of Sales Oncology will lead the national Key Account Management (KAM) team for assigned tumour(s)/brand(s) across the UK and Ireland. The role operates in a highly complex, matrix healthcare environment across the UK and Ireland, requiring strong cross‑functional leadership and stakeholder influence. The Head of Sales is accountable for delivering national sales performance, customer engagement excellence and measurable business outcomes, including achievement of KPIs and effective resource allocation. The role contributes to franchise and asset strategy, shaping Integrated Customer Plans (ICP) and long‑term business priorities.

Location: United Kingdom (Field‑based – flexible location)

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop a high‑performing national KAM team to deliver strong commercial results and executional excellence across the UK and Ireland.
• Define and implement national sales strategy aligned to the Integrated Customer Plan (ICP), including strategic account planning, target setting and resource allocation.
• Drive achievement of national sales targets, KPIs and business objectives while ensuring effective budget management.
• Develop and oversee high‑quality, cross‑functional account plans to optimise patient outcomes and healthcare partnerships.
• Build strong relationships with key external stakeholders across NHS and healthcare systems, fostering long‑term strategic partnerships.
• Translate customer and market insights into actionable strategies to maximise opportunities and overcome barriers.
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams (e.g. Marketing, Medical, Market Access, HSE/P) to ensure aligned execution of brand and account strategies.
• Ensure full compliance with ABPI/IPHA codes and Boehringer Ingelheim policies, maintaining the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct.
• Champion a culture of high performance, innovation and continuous improvement, including talent development and succession planning.
• Contribute to franchise strategy and long‑term planning, supporting ICP and overall business priorities.

Performance & Accountability

• Accountable for delivering national sales revenue, market share and performance KPIs.
• Ensure all activities are delivered within agreed budgets, with clear demonstration of return on investment (ROI).
• Monitor and optimise field force effectiveness, customer engagement quality and executional excellence.
• Ensure timely and accurate forecasting, reporting and operational delivery.

Requirements

Education & Qualifications

• Degree level education or equivalent.
• ABPI (UK) / MRII (Ireland) qualification.

Experience

• Significant leadership experience within a commercial pharmaceutical or healthcare environment, ideally within secondary care/NHS setting.
• Strong track record in Key Account Management and strategic account planning at health‑system level.
• Proven ability to build, lead, develop and inspire high‑performing teams.
• Experience operating within the UK and Ireland healthcare systems, with strong understanding of NHS structures and dynamics.
• Oncology experience preferred.

Skills & Capabilities

• Strong commercial acumen, including budget ownership, financial management and resource optimisation.
• Strong capability in data‑driven decision‑making and analytics‑led leadership.
• Strong communication skills and collaborative mindset.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to turn data into actionable insights, supported by solid IT literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook) and experience using digital tools and multichannel engagement approaches.
• Ability to lead effectively in a complex, matrix organisation, influencing without direct authority.
• Advanced stakeholder engagement and influencing abilities.
• Experience in field omnichannel strategy and execution, including digital engagement approaches.

Other Requirements

• Willingness to travel nationally to all customer‑facing team territories and head office frequently (UK and Ireland); occasionally travel to international congresses/meetings.
• Clean driving licence.