Chief Executive Officer – West Africa (Pharma Distribution)

About the role

As the Chief Executive Officer for West Africa, you will spearhead Handlers Distribution’s pharmaceutical and medical distribution expansion across key markets, primarily Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire. This senior leadership position combines strategic vision, operational execution, and high‑level stakeholder management to build a compliant, sustainable regional platform.

Key responsibilities

• Define and implement the regional growth strategy for West Africa.
• Lead country operations, sales teams, and senior managers.
• Negotiate and secure exclusive distribution agreements with international manufacturers.
• Manage relationships with Ministries of Health, regulatory authorities, and major institutional clients.
• Oversee product registration, compliance, and regulatory processes.
• Control P&L, pricing strategy, margins, and overall financial performance.
• Recruit, develop, and lead high‑performing local management teams.

Required profile

• 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or medical distribution.
• Strong professional network in West Africa, especially Guinea and/or Côte d’Ivoire.
• Deep understanding of regulatory, importation, and tender processes.
• Fluent French (native or near‑native) and professional English.
• Proven negotiation, governance, and decision‑making abilities.
• Experience managing multi‑country operations; MBA or equivalent advanced management education is a plus.

Required skills

What we offer

• Executive‑level compensation package with performance‑based bonus and long‑term incentives.
• High autonomy and direct access to shareholders.
• Opportunity to shape a reference pharmaceutical platform in high‑growth West African markets.
• Strong international exposure with global manufacturing partners.