Head of Sales

Role overview

The Head of Sales, UK will steer the UK sales organization and own delivery of the commercial plan for Alimera’s products across the United Kingdom, with Northern Ireland excluded from the remit. This position carries responsibility for shaping and implementing the UK sales strategy, achieving annual business targets, improving sales force effectiveness, and working closely with partner functions to drive commercial performance.

This role also oversees the sales portion of the UK P&L, including planning the budget, tracking expenditure, forecasting results, and partnering with Finance and the Country Manager, UK & Ireland to maintain strong financial control of the sales operation. In addition, the role sits on the UK & Ireland Leadership Team.

The scope includes the Alimera Sciences Limited business and operations in the UK as defined by the company, excluding Northern Ireland. The business environment is entrepreneurial, so the role may evolve as the company grows and operational needs change.

Commercial leadership

• Direct the UK sales function to achieve revenue, KPI, and forecasting goals for Alimera’s products throughout the UK, excluding Northern Ireland.
• Build and roll out the UK sales plan in line with broader business priorities, using market knowledge, customer insight, and competitor intelligence to uncover growth opportunities.
• Partner with Market Access, Medical, Finance, Operations, and the Country Manager, UK & Ireland to support commercial delivery, advance strategic initiatives, and strengthen business planning and execution.

Team leadership and execution

• Lead, coach, and develop the UK sales team to deliver strong performance, deepen customer engagement, and execute local accounts effectively.
• Define clear goals, review performance regularly, and provide ongoing feedback and field coaching to support both individual and team growth.
• Share effective practices across the business and, where suitable and requested, assist with coaching representatives in Ireland.

Financial management and governance

• Oversee the UK sales budget and the sales component of the UK P&L, working with Finance and the Country Manager, UK & Ireland on budgeting, forecasting, and control of in-year spend.
• Use CRM and other business systems effectively and help ensure the UK sales function runs smoothly through close coordination with support teams.
• Ensure sales activity complies with company policy as well as all applicable legal, regulatory, and compliance obligations.

Experience and qualifications

• At least 10 years of business experience.
• Minimum 5 years of pharmaceutical sales experience, including at least 2 years in a regional sales manager position; national sales management experience is considered an advantage.
• Demonstrated success in meeting and surpassing targets.
• Proven ability to lead and grow experienced, high-performing sales teams and improve sales force effectiveness.
• Experience leading a secondary care or specialist care sales team.
• Experience in ophthalmology or diabetes is beneficial.
• A university degree in Business or Life Sciences is an advantage.
• Hands-on experience with CRM and sales analytics tools, including Salesforce or similar platforms.
• ABPI qualification is mandatory.
• Full UK driving licence required.
• Role involves up to 60% field travel across the UK.
• International travel to key congresses may be needed.

Skills and competencies

• Ability to develop and execute UK-specific commercial strategies aligned to company objectives.
• Strong capability in budgeting, forecasting, revenue planning, and profitable growth delivery.
• Customer and stakeholder relationship building with a strong service mindset.
• Leadership, coaching, and performance management skills for high-performing teams.
• Highly results-focused approach with persistence and a proactive, can-do attitude.
• Cross-functional collaboration across functions such as Marketing, Medical, Market Access, Regulatory, Finance, and HR.
• Advanced communication, negotiation, influencing, and closing skills at senior and KOL level.
• Project coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong analytical thinking and comfort working with sales, market, and financial data.
• Working knowledge of MS Office tools including Outlook, Teams, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Other information

The role is based in the United Kingdom and is fully onsite. It is a full-time position with no salary details provided in the source.