Brand Lead Croatia

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Brand Lead Croatia

🔹 Company: Takeda

🔹 Location: Zagreb, Croatia

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Pharmaceuticals

🔹 Date Posted: July 16, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Working with national and local parties to promote Takeda products, prioritizing patient needs.
• Localizing the Global Brand Plan and implementing marketing strategies to achieve sales and profit goals.
• Collaborating with various departments and stakeholders to ensure business compliance and patient safety.
• Leading and coaching KAM to deliver superior patient experiences and exceed expectations of key customers.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and adaptability to thrive in a dynamic market and organization.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Localize and elaborate Global Brand Plan, defining key strategic direction, product positioning, critical success factors, key barriers/drivers, and detailed tactical plan to ensure reaching given KPIs.

✅ Partner with medical department to create relevant promotional materials and collaborate with healthcare professionals to create content for commercially organized scientific meetings.

✅ Secure implementation of agreed tactics and monitor monthly performance to analyze products, competition, market dynamics, medical trends, and level of growth, identifying opportunities and risks.

✅ Lead and coach KAM to deliver superior patient experiences, exceed expectations of key customers, and become best-in-class in relevant therapeutic areas.

✅ Align with regional and local teams to localize integrated brand and tactical plans, embedding OCE (Omni-Channel Engagement).

✅ Drive omni-channel engagement across customer-facing roles, providing structure and campaign materials to build differentiated customer experiences.

✅ Achieve executional excellence through continuous demonstration of Leadership Capability based on high agility, inspiring new ways of thinking, and fostering a best-in-class patient-centric organization.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, tactical execution, and leadership, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: University degree in Medicine/Biology/Chemistry/Pharmacy or equivalent

Experience: 5 years of sales and marketing experience in specialized prescription pharmaceutical business and hospital sector.

Required Skills:

• Expertise on the country healthcare system
• Fluency in local language and English language skills (written and spoken)
• IT skills (MS Office proficiency as a minimum)
• Strong leadership profile, initiative, and commitment; entrepreneurial skills, creativity, and the ability to keep going in the face of hardship.
• Deep understanding of the healthcare system and experience in managing specialty care products; ability to conduct the business in a volatile environment by anticipating the major changes and the impact on Takeda portfolio.

Preferred Skills:

• Experienced in Brand Management / Key Account and Hospital Management.
• Commercial and marketing experience in pre-launch and launch activities with particular emphasis on hospital selling.
• Intimate knowledge of the country pharmaceutical industry’s code of conduct and compliance regulations.
• Existing contacts with specialists in relevant specialties treating Therapy area diseases.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in pharmaceutical sales and marketing, with a proven track record of success in a similar role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role in Croatia typically falls between 150,000 - 250,000 HRK (Hrvatska Kuna) per year, depending on experience and qualifications. This estimate is based on industry standards and market research.

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth within a global organization.
• Dynamic and inclusive work environment that values diversity and encourages innovation.

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard working hours, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for remote work as needed.

ASSUMPTION: Takeda offers competitive compensation and benefits packages, with salary ranges varying based on location, experience, and role.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Takeda is a global, research and development-driven pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients. They focus on four therapeutic areas: Oncology, Gastroenterology, Neuroscience, and Rare Diseases.

Company Size: Takeda is a large organization with over 10,000 employees worldwide, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: Takeda was founded in 1781 and has since grown into a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry, with a strong commitment to improving patients' lives through innovative medicines.

Company Description:

• Takeda is a patient-focused, values-driven company that prioritizes patient safety and quality in all aspects of its operations.
• The company fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, encouraging employees to push boundaries and set new standards.
• Takeda is committed to sustainability and responsible business practices, striving to minimize its environmental impact and contribute positively to the communities in which it operates.

Company Specialties:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Therapeutics
• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Rare Diseases
• Vaccines

Company Website: Takeda.com

ASSUMPTION: Takeda's global presence and diverse product portfolio offer numerous opportunities for career growth and development within the pharmaceutical industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-senior level, requiring a balance of strategic thinking, tactical execution, and leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Brand Lead reports directly to the Commercial Head and collaborates with various departments and stakeholders, including Marketing and Commercial, Pricing, Value & Access, Medical Affairs, Finance, HR, Regulatory, PV, and Ethics & Compliance.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role based in Zagreb, Croatia, with flexibility for remote work as needed.

Growth Opportunities:

• Proven performers may have the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities, lead projects, or advance to senior leadership roles within the organization.
• Takeda's global presence and diverse product portfolio offer numerous opportunities for career growth and development within the pharmaceutical industry.
• The company fosters a culture of continuous learning and encourages employees to pursue professional development opportunities.

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have a strong track record of achievement in similar roles and demonstrate the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Takeda's Zagreb office is a modern, collaborative workspace that fosters innovation and creativity.

Office Location(s): Zagreb, Croatia

Geographic Context:

• Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia, with a population of over 800,000 people.
• The city is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse economy.
• Zagreb offers a high quality of life, with affordable living costs, excellent healthcare, and a strong education system.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for remote work as needed.

ASSUMPTION: Living and working in Zagreb offers a unique blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, with easy access to outdoor activities and cultural attractions.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-depth behavioral and technical interviews
• Final round interviews with senior leadership
• Background and reference checks
• Job offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Cultural fit and alignment with Takeda's values
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Leadership and team management capabilities

• Industry knowledge and expertise in pharmaceutical sales and marketing
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic work environment

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description.
• Demonstrate your understanding of Takeda's mission, values, and commitment to improving patients' lives.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, leadership style, and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Research Takeda's products, competitors, and market trends to showcase your industry knowledge and insights.

ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Key Account Management, Hospital Management, Pharmaceutical Sales, Marketing Strategy, Patient Centricity, Leadership, Strategic Planning, Tactical Execution, Healthcare Knowledge, Compliance, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, Finance, HR, PV, Ethics & Compliance

ASSUMPTION: Takeda's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experiences, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for both the candidate and the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, such as Veeva
• Marketing automation and analytics tools, such as Salesforce Marketing Cloud (SFMC) and Google Analytics
• Project management tools, such as Asana, Trello, or Jira
• Data visualization tools, such as Tableau or Power BI

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have experience with relevant tools and technologies, with a willingness to learn and adapt to new platforms as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Patient Focus
• Integrity
• Fairness, Inclusion, and Diversity
• Collaboration
• Sustainability
• Accountability
• Quality

Work Style:

• Patient-centric and focused on improving patients' lives
• Collaborative and inclusive, with a focus on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
• Adaptable and resilient, with a willingness to embrace change and learn from setbacks
• Data-driven and committed to continuous learning and improvement
• Committed to sustainability and responsible business practices

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you prioritize patient needs and safety in your decision-making processes?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change or challenge in a short period? How did you approach this situation?
• How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, and how do you handle conflicts or disagreements within your team?

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong alignment with Takeda's values and work style, with a commitment to patient focus, collaboration, and continuous learning.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The dynamic and fast-paced nature of the pharmaceutical industry may require candidates to adapt quickly to changes in the market, regulatory environment, or product portfolio.
• The role may involve frequent travel and require candidates to balance multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• The competitive nature of the pharmaceutical industry may present challenges in achieving sales and market share goals.
• The role may require candidates to navigate complex regulatory environments and maintain compliance with industry standards and ethical guidelines.

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have experience navigating complex and dynamic environments, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to change.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Brand Lead vs. Product Manager: While both roles involve strategic planning and tactical execution, the Brand Lead role places a greater emphasis on external stakeholder management, customer connectivity, and patient centricity.
• Pharmaceutical Industry vs. Other Industries: The pharmaceutical industry is highly regulated, competitive, and dynamic, with a strong focus on innovation, quality, and patient safety. This may present unique challenges and opportunities compared to other industries.
• Career Path: The Brand Lead role offers a clear path for career growth and development within the pharmaceutical industry, with opportunities to advance to senior leadership roles or transition into related functions, such as medical affairs, regulatory affairs, or commercial operations.

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have a strong understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents, with a clear vision for their career growth and development.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a successful brand launch strategy for a new product in the Croatian market, including market research, competitive analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
• Leading a cross-functional team to create and execute a patient-centric marketing campaign that improves patient outcomes and increases market share for an existing product.
• Conducting a comprehensive review of the current brand portfolio and making data-driven recommendations to optimize resource allocation and improve overall business performance.

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have experience leading and executing projects that drive business results and improve patient outcomes in the pharmaceutical industry.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's approach to patient centricity and how it is reflected in the Brand Lead role?
• How does the company support the professional development and career growth of its employees, particularly in the Brand Lead role?
• Can you provide an example of a time when the company had to adapt to a significant market change or regulatory challenge? How did the company approach this situation, and what was the outcome?
• How does the company measure the success of its brand management strategies, and how are these metrics used to inform decision-making and continuous improvement?
• What is the company's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how is this reflected in the Brand Lead role and the broader organization?

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will ask thoughtful, insightful questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role, the company, and the pharmaceutical industry.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the provided link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description, with a focus on your strategic thinking, leadership, and industry expertise.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, leadership style, and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Research Takeda's products, competitors, and market trends to showcase your industry knowledge and insights.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application and express your continued interest in the role.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.