Do you have expertise in, and passion for science working in Pharma Sales field within the Public sector and creating value for our customers and patients? If so, AstraZeneca might be the one for you!
ABOUT ASTRAZENECA
AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven Biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious disease. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. Our strategic priorities reflect how we are working to deliver our strategy and achieve our Purpose. As a workforce, we are the catalyst for our values: we are entrepreneurial; we do the right thing; we play to win; we put patients first and we follow the science. As a company we appreciate and take great pride in each team member where every person is brought together through shared values, that underpins a shared purpose. There’s no better place to feel inspired and energised.
At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. Join the fastest-growing pharmaceutical in our markets, set up to fuel further growth. Be part of our shared ambition and pride: our strong heritage, our turnaround story, and early investment and commitment in International markets. There’s no better place to feel inspired and energized.
ABOUT OUR PRIMARY CARE SALES TEAM
The State Access team is a high performing team. The team has unparallel resilience, tenacity drive to achieve success, win for patients, willingness to go the extra mile, to do the right thing and the understanding that customer knowledge coupled with effective planning & impactful execution are the proven steps to success. Patient centricity is the driving force behind every interaction the team undertakes. We have a bold ambition to win for every suited public sector patent across all levels of care in all territories in our region. Our performance is embedded in team cohesion, unsurpassed cross collaboration with other departments within AstraZeneca, skillful execution of brand strategies and excellent disease and product knowledge.
We are a team that has a winning attitude, a growth mindset that seems us always push beyond our known limits to challenge ourselves to be the best we can be.
What you will do:
Successful implementation of sales strategy for all molecules on tender, to meet agreed sales targets, within individual territory while complying with AstraZeneca values and applying control measures on operational cost. We are looking for a State Access Associate that will rise to the challenges, exceed expectations, and contribute towards elevating the team’s contribution to the next level.
Typical Accountabilities will include
Successfully complete all training requirements, including product examinations.
Engage healthcare professionals in dialogue about approved indications and product efficacy/safety profiles to support on-label prescribing for appropriate patients.
Work with Sales Manager to develop a local strategy and business plan to meet or exceed sales and call execution goals in territory.
Drive sales performance and ensure sales forecasts and assigned budgets meet or exceed therapeutic and territory expectations.
Drive access in the public sector for both contracted products and seek buy-out opportunities.
Develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of market, demographic, and managed markets information relative to assigned sales territory.
Comply with all regulations regarding interactions with healthcare professionals, distribution of samples, etc.
Sales Achievement/Impact
Effectively implement sales strategy and tactics, plan of action (POA) in accordance with company policies.
Conduct analysis of market/ competitors to identify territory business opportunities.
Incumbent must effectively and optimally, manage your sales territory and to maximize the number of calls on target customers.
Initiate and implement value-added programmes in the territory and the province through developing and implementing a quarterly territory planner and analysing all the local data e.g. Sales data from provincial pharmaceutical depots, and call report system data, on receipt of that individual data.
Maintain an up-to-date customer data base.
Develop territory Business Plan based on POA and allocate resources (e.g. call activities, budget).
Monitor territory business plan to ensure resources are directed to customer of greatest potential.
Participate in promotional activity programmes to increase product awareness in the market.
Update territory customer segmentation classification, database and call records continuously.
Deliver key promotional messages within approved detail aids and in line with POA.
Build trust and credibility with customers by demonstrating professionalism acting within the business code of ethics.
At state sector may be required to call on Academic State Institutions for certain product lines like Oncology, Diabetes, Respiratory, respiratory to detail Head of departs on the products that are on tender and to lobby for buy-out business.
Submit monthly reports commenting on deviations from Business Plan and intended actions to align performance with objectives.
Ensure punctual delivery of reports / daily synchronisation.
Maintain highest ethical standards and work in a spirit of AstraZeneca Code of Conduct, following rules & norms set by corporate policies.
Ensure that all conducted activities are done in accordance with local legislation and corporate standards.
Timely report (as per respective procedures): health/environment/well-being related accidents; adverse events that you became aware about; change in status of your Conflict of Interest.
Regularly monitor territory’s sales performance versus budget.
Facilitate enlistment of newly launched and key products in Academic State Institution, hospitals and clinics by planned date.
Initiate appropriate actions to ensure performance is in line with objectives.
Territory Business Planning
Customer Focus and Service
Reporting/ Administration
Broader impact on company success
If this sounds appealing, please read on to understand the experience and skills we’re looking for…
Essential Skills and Experience required:
Completed Degree/Diploma with a life science background
Must have 3 years plus proven track record as a Sales Rep in the pharmaceutical environment
Must have a good understating of the state/public healthcare system
Previous basket experience/exposure would be an advantage with sound knowledge of Respiratory, Cardiovascular and Diabetes products.
Existing relationships with key customers in the territory would be advantageous.
Strong analytical ability
Strong presentation skills
Excellent communication skills: clear and concise messaging
High learnability (incl. complex theory/science),
Ability to work closely in collaboration with cross functional business areas.
Must have a Valid driver’s license
Computer Knowledge (at least Intermediate)
Team Player
Integrity and assertiveness
Organised
Results orientated
Negotiation skills
System thinking and acting in a consistent way
Why AstraZeneca?
AstraZeneca recognized as Top Employer | South Africa, Kenya & Nigeria 2025. Best Place to Work in Ivory Coast, Senegal, Cameroon, Ghana & Ethiopia 2024 – 2025.
Furthermore, we are proud to have achieved the impressive feat of ranking second place in the Best Places to Work for the second consecutive year running in Africa. This distinction is a confirmation of our commitment and ability to sustain people, partnerships, and employee engagement and foster an innovative workplace environment.
At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare. Join the fastest-growing pharmaceutical in our markets, set up to fuel further growth. Be part of our shared ambition and pride: our strong heritage, our turnaround story, and early investment and commitment in International markets. There’s no better place to feel inspired and energized.
SO, WHAT’S NEXT?
Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you!
Click the link to apply no later than 28/08/2025 and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.
WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/
Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/
Close Date: 28/08/2025
