Business Development Manager - Molecular Diagnostics Middle East

Company Overview

We are a rapidly expanding molecular diagnostics enterprise headquartered in Shanghai, with operational presence in the US, Japan, and Singapore. We specialize in the development, manufacture, and distribution of innovative molecular diagnostic products for global healthcare markets.

Location and Travel

The preferred work location is Dubai. Exceptional candidates may be based in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Doha, Kuwait City, Manama, Muscat, Cairo, Istanbul, or Amman. Frequent travel is required to cover key Middle Eastern markets including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon.

Reporting Structure

This role reports to the Head of Global Commercial / International Business Director.

Role and Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement commercial and channel strategies for the Middle East region with an emphasis on GCC markets.
• Identify, assess, and manage distributor partnerships for IVD and molecular diagnostics across the region.
• Evaluate distributor competencies regarding registration, importation, tender access, hospital outreach, after-sales services, and financial stability.
• Develop and nurture relationships with hospital networks, private healthcare groups, government and reference labs, KOLs, and procurement officials.
• Assist in market access and regulatory compliance efforts in the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
• Create commercial plans encompassing product positioning, pricing, distributor framework, annual targets, and promotional strategies.
• Lead early product trials, reference customer development, pilot initiatives, and strategic accounts.
• Track competitor activities from major diagnostic companies including Roche, Abbott, Cepheid, Qiagen, Hologic, bioMérieux, Thermo Fisher, Siemens Healthineers, and Beckman Coulter.
• Oversee sales pipeline, distributor forecasts, tender prospects, commercial risks, and project milestones.
• Represent the company at regional conferences, distributor meetings, hospital visits, and industry events.
• Compile and deliver regular reports on market trends, competitor updates, customer insights, and strategic recommendations to corporate headquarters.

Candidate Requirements

• 5 to 12 years experience in IVD, molecular diagnostics, laboratory diagnostics, life sciences tools, medical devices, or associated healthcare sectors.
• Demonstrated success in business development, distributor management, channel sales, or regional commercial leadership in the Middle East.
• In-depth knowledge of healthcare systems, diagnostic distribution channels, hospital procurement, and distributor networks within the Middle East and GCC.
• Experience collaborating with distributors, tenders, government accounts, hospital groups, or reference laboratories.
• Established network with IVD distributors, laboratories, healthcare groups, or diagnostic key opinion leaders in the region.
• Fluent English communication and negotiation capabilities; Arabic language skills considered advantageous.
• Ability to operate independently and handle cross-border business development.
• Preparedness for regular travel across GCC and selected Middle Eastern countries.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in molecular diagnostics, PCR, infectious disease testing, respiratory diagnostics, TB, oncology diagnostics, or syndromic testing.
• Previous work experience with Roche Diagnostics, Abbott, Siemens Healthineers, bioMérieux, Qiagen, Cepheid, Thermo Fisher, Hologic, Beckman Coulter, Sysmex, or strong regional distributors.
• Track record of launching diagnostic products or facilitating entry of Eastern IVD companies into the Middle East market.
• Familiarity with regulatory and tender processes in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Compensation and Employment

The position offers a competitive base salary with performance incentives. The preferred engagement is full-time, though consultant-to-hire arrangements may be considered for certain candidates.

Why Join Our Team

• Lead and nurture business growth for an innovative molecular diagnostics company in the Middle East.
• Engage in a strategic role focused on high-growth GCC healthcare markets.
• Gain direct interaction with global leadership and influence key decisions.
• Work in an entrepreneurial environment supported by robust manufacturing, R&D, and global expansion resources.