Key Account Specialist

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Job Description

Title: Key Account Specialist

Location:Johannesburg, South Africaoffice

Field: Marketing/Commercial

About Takeda

At Takeda we strive to broaden access to treatment and enhance standards of care for people wherever they live. We focus on sustainably strengthening local health systems in low- and middle-income countries at every stage of the patient journey, while developing an end-to-end access approach to make our highly innovative medicines available as soon as practically possible.  

Takeda is unwavering in our commitment to patients. With the patient at the center of everything we do, we continue to innovate and drive changes that will better their lives and we are looking for like-minded professionals to join us.

Who we are looking for:

Are you ready to shape the future of healthcare in South Africa? At Takeda Pharmaceuticals, we’re seeking a dynamic and driven Key Account Specialist to play a key role in breaking barriers to treatment, driving equitable healthcare solutions, and ensuring our therapies reach those who need them most. Join us in making a lasting impact on patient outcomes while advancing Takeda’s vision of better health for people worldwide.

Objectives of this role:

The Key Account Specialist is responsible for retaining and strengthening client relationships within both the private and public sectors. This role involves strategic planning to expand and maintain existing customer relationships, ensuring exceptional customer service and resolving challenges as they arise. By deeply understanding client business requirements, the individual will support Takeda’s mission and long-term business objectives.

This position plays a pivotal role in Takeda’s mission to achieve sustainable growth and strengthen patient outcomes. This position requires an innovative, forward-thinking professional who thrives in a dynamic, complex environment. With a focus on South Africa’s private and public healthcare sectors, the work will directly influence Takeda’s impact locally.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in either Business, Science, Healthcare, or a related field.

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in Key Account Management, Sales, or Business Development within the pharmaceutical/healthcare industry.

• Proven experience working with clients in both private and public healthcare sectors in South Africa.

• Demonstrated experience in managing large, complex projects and processes.

• Experience in presenting data-driven recommendations to senior stakeholders.

Accountabilities

• Develop and execute strategic plans to retain and grow relationships with existing clients in both private and public sectors.

• Lead and manage significant projects or processes with minimal supervision.

• Analyze complex data to develop effective solutions, using appropriate methods aligned with client needs and Takeda’s objectives.

• Deliver outstanding customer service and resolve issues to maintain high customer satisfaction.

• Key contact for Takeda portfolio in public sector. Operational management of tenders (stock, emergency orders etc.), ensuring compliance with regulations and optimizing opportunities for identified products.

• Create new opportunities for Takeda’s buy-out portfolio for public sector patients

• Drive and manage forecasting and business development tasks with advanced precision. Review sales and manage orders to achieve revenue plans.

• Proactively manage and nurture advanced relationship-building to establish professional and personal client connections:

• Public sector: Pharmacies, procurement, hospitals, PTC (Pharmaceutics & Therapeutics Committee)

• Private sector: Distributor, Wholesalers, Pharmacy groups, Private hospital groups etc.

• Support operational business activities in collaboration with Commercial team e.g. credits, stock protection letters.

• Act as a key strategic lead and occasionally represent Takeda in contract negotiations and external engagements.

• Manage governance of stakeholders e.g. contract maintenance & appropriate Third-party Due Diligence of identified stakeholders.

• Manage public sector tenders, ensuring compliance with regulations and optimizing opportunities for Takeda (including document preparation & submission).

• Provide relevant insights to IBT (Integrated Brand Team) relate to opportunities & other.

Competencies and skills

Technical Competencies

• Operational Expertise: Exceptional knowledge of supply chain and logistics processes tailored for public healthcare delivery in South Africa.

• Working knowledge of private sector “access” journey and stakeholders

• Problem-Solving and Innovation: Ability to address operational challenges creatively and suggest process improvements to achieve strategic goals.

Interpersonal Competencies

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong professional relationships with government officials, healthcare providers, and internal Takeda teams. Confidently navigate discussions on public health strategies and pharmaceutical policies.

• Communication Skills: Deliver effective written and verbal communication, translating complex data insights into actionable strategies for diverse stakeholders.

• Attention to Detail: High accuracy in compliance management, reporting, and operational data documentation, with strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

• Relationship Management: Advanced ability to foster trust and collaboration with clients, leveraging professional and personal connections to drive organizational objectives.

Personal Attributes

• Resilience and adaptability to work in complex environments with shifting priorities.

• Results-driven approach with a commitment to excellence and continuous growth.

• Accountability and ownership in independent decision-making and process improvements.

• Passion for Takeda’s mission and values, with dedication to improving patient outcomes sustainably.

Other requirements:

• Own vehicle that can be used for business.

• Required overseas and local travel from time to time

We create a diverse, inclusive, safe, open and collaborative working environment in which employees can contribute, perform and grow as individuals. Preference will be given to South African Citizens and Employment Equity Targets.

Takeda is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment and to having a workforce that is as diverse as the patients we serve and the communities where we’re based. To achieve that inclusivity, we embrace and celebrate our differences, respecting and valuing each other regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or physical appearance.  #LI-EN1

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