Business Development & Engagement Manager at GALVmed

Main Purpose


We're looking for an experienced and commercially driven Business Development & Engagement Manager (BDEM) to lead the market development and commercial strategy for our ruminant anti-parasiticides portfolio across Sub-Saharan Africa.
This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution. You will build sustainable markets, develop strategic partnerships, and create scalable commercial models that improve access to high-quality animal health solutions for livestock producers across the region.
Working across multiple countries and with a diverse network of stakeholders, you'll turn portfolio strategy into commercially successful, country-level execution plans that deliver lasting value for farmers, partners, and the business.


You will lead the commercial development, market-shaping, and partner management strategy for our ruminant anti-parasiticide portfolio across Sub-Saharan Africa, with responsibility for:


Driving sustainable private-sector engagement and long-term commercial partnerships.
Designing scalable distribution models
Improving farmer access to affordable, high-quality animal health products.
Building commercially viable markets that support long-term portfolio growth.
Translating portfolio and pipeline strategies into executable country business plans.
Identifying new market opportunities and accelerating adoption of innovative animal health solutions.
Managing strategic relationships across the animal health ecosystem to influence market development and maximise impact.


Scope


Geographic scope: Tier 1 countries—Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Ethiopia—with a broader multi-country focus across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) depending on the portfolio.
Product focus: Ruminant anti-parasiticides (Trypano, acaricides, endectocides, tick control solutions, diagnostic, identification.
Stakeholder scope: Producer, Importers, distributors, agro-dealers, veterinary networks, government regulators, NGOs, donors, and regional bodies.


Key Activities

Strategic Commercial Development


Develop market intelligence, sizing models, and financial forecasts for animal health products.
Lead SSA commercial strategy (3 - 5 years), including portfolio development for antiparasitics, vaccines, diagnostics, and vector control tools.
Prioritise countries and define product positioning across livestock production systems.
Build investment cases and support pricing strategies balancing affordability and sustainability.


Market Entry & Expansion


Design phased country entry and go-to-market strategies.
Assess regulatory pathways, market readiness, and launch timing aligned with disease cycles.
Evaluate local manufacturing versus centralized supply options.


Partner Identification & Management


Identify and assess distributors and importers in priority markets.
Evaluate partner capability (financial, regulatory, distribution reach, technical capacity).
Negotiate agreements and establish KPIs and governance frameworks.
Support partner capacity building and performance management.


Route-to-Market & Demand Creation


Design distribution models for pastoral, agro-pastoral, ranching, and dairy systems.
Support farmer education, product adoption, and responsible use messaging.
Strengthen last-mile delivery and explore financing solutions for affordability.


Stakeholder Engagement & Market Shaping


Engage regulators, veterinary authorities, and development partners.
Represent GALVmed in technical forums and policy discussions.
Support public - private partnerships and market development initiatives.


Financial & Performance Management


Develop commercial dashboards and 5-year operating plans.
Track sales, adoption, and distributor performance.
Support budgeting, forecasting, and portfolio reviews.
Report performance updates to senior leadership.


Travel Requirements


40 - 60% travel across Sub-Saharan Africa.


Qualifications / experience required (in order to successfully carry out the job role)

Education:


Vets' degree in Veterinary Medicine.
Master degree on Marketing and/or Business Development.
MBA or equivalent commercial qualification desirable.


Experience:


5 years in animal health, veterinary pharmaceuticals, or livestock input markets.
Experience working across multiple SSA markets.
Demonstrated success launching or expanding veterinary products.
Experience negotiating and managing distribution partnerships.
Proven ability to build financial models and commercial cases.


Skills:


Proficiency in strategic implementation, budget management, and impact monitoring.
Strong relationship-building skills across a variety of stakeholders, including government entities and commercial partners.
Data-driven mindset with experience in impact assessment and reporting.
Strong analytical skills and ability to assess local context including political sensitivities, distil complex situations, determine implications for VITAL 2 and for GALVmed and communicate options and advice to wide range of actors.


Competencies

Technical


Market sizing and financial modelling
Business development and financial acumen
Distribution network design
Regulatory pathway understanding
Partner due diligence and negotiation
Competitive landscape analysis
Commercial risk assessment
Understanding of acaricide resistance dynamics (advantageous)


Strategic


Strategic thinker with operational discipline
Strong negotiation and influencing skills
High level of autonomy and ownership
Cultural intelligence across SSA markets
Ability to balance impact objectives with commercial sustainability
Comfortable operating in ambiguity and emerging markets
Collaborative and cross-functional mindset