Regional Manager Southern Africa

Date: Apr 10, 2026
Location: Johannesburg, GT, ZA
Job Band: Job Band 7 (JB7)
Hiring Manager: Eyong Ebai
Lead Recruiter: Paulina Piotrowska
Country: South Africa

Job Summary

Reporting to the General Manager, the Regional Manager plays a critical role in shaping and executing the business strategy for their assigned region or subcluster. While operating within the strategic framework defined at the cluster level, the Regional Manager develops and implements regional strategies that translate overarching goals into actionable plans and measurable results.

The role holds full accountability for business performance in the region, with a primary focus on driving distributor effectiveness-ensuring that distributors meet commercial, operational, and compliance standards, and deliver sustainable growth. In addition, the Regional Manager may lead and develop an internal sales team, providing direction, coaching, and performance management to achieve ambitious targets.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Business Leadership

• Translate Africa business strategy into actionable subcluster plans.
• Design and implement strategic plans, targets, forecasts, and business reviews on a monthly and quarterly basis.
• Provide input on product offerings, competition, and market strategies.
• Contribute to market analysis, product positioning, and regional program development.
• Ensure alignment with global corporate objectives while adapting to local market needs.
• Manage the full P&L for the assigned region or subcluster.
• Work closely with Government affairs to be the regional lead in the public sector MoH, MoF, National blood services.
• Lead the regional innovation to support market share gain and market growth by developing and implementing innovative clinical and financial services.
• Collaborate with distributors and sales consultants/account managers to achieve sales volume, market penetration, and profitability targets.
• Ensure timely and accurate forecasting and reporting.
• Monitor and drive business efficiency across the region or subcluster.
• Coordinate with internal functions such as logistics, supply chain, and customer care.
• Select, coach, and manage distributors to ensure high performance and alignment with company standards.
• Ensure distributors have the right tools, training, and support to succeed.
• Monitor compliance with internal quality systems and external legal/regulatory requirements.
• Establish infrastructure for second-level support (application, technical, IT business support).

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Manage communication flows between distributors, internal teams, and leadership.
• Represent the company to local authorities, legal institutions, and funding partners.
• Maintain ongoing relationships with healthcare stakeholders, key customers, and other relevant parties.
• Coordinate regional trade shows and events in collaboration with Marketing Communications.

Leadership & People Development

• Lead, manage, and develop a regional team of direct reports, providing clear objectives, ongoing coaching, and structured performance management to drive engagement and results.
• Build talent and succession through active development planning, feedback, and career growth opportunities.
• Guide and motivate distributor teams to achieve commercial excellence and operational alignment with company standards.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across both internal teams and the distributor network.
• Serve as a visible role model in leadership, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration, exemplifying the company's values and leadership behaviors.

Problem Solving & Innovation

• Address complex and unusual business challenges with regional impact.
• Work cross-functionally to resolve issues with broad business implications.
• Encourage innovation and continuous improvement across the region.

Education

• Master's degree in business, Economics, Life Sciences, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of sales experience in the medical device or diagnostics industry.
• At least 5 years in a leadership role, preferably with international exposure.
• Experience working with third party healthcare stakeholders (e.g., NGOs, Ministries of Health, patient groups).
• Experience managing P&L and leading cross-functional teams.

Skills

• Strong strategic and financial acumen.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence in a matrix environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• High level of autonomy and accountability.
• Proficiency in MS Office and CRM systems.
• Language skills: English + one relevant local language required.

Additional Information

• Reports to: General Manager
• Location: Based in Johannesburg
• Travel: Up to 70% expected