Sales Representative - Pharmaceutical
Overview
Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives promote prescription medications and medical products to healthcare professionals, building scientific knowledge and trust to drive product adoption while ensuring ethical compliance with industry regulations.
- 1Detail pharmaceutical products to doctors, specialists, and healthcare practitioners
- 2Develop and maintain territory coverage plans for medical facilities
- 3Organize and conduct medical education sessions and CME events
- 4Provide scientific and clinical information on drug efficacy and safety
- 5Build professional relationships with key opinion leaders and specialists
- 6Monitor prescription trends and market share in assigned territory
- 7Ensure compliance with SAHPRA regulations and ethical marketing codes
- 8Submit accurate expense reports and call activity records
- 9Attend medical conferences and industry training programs
- 10Manage sample distribution according to company policy
- 11Report adverse drug reactions and product complaints
- 12Achieve sales targets while maintaining ethical standards
Education
Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Nursing, or related field; Medical degree advantageous
Experience
2-4 years pharmaceutical or medical device sales; healthcare background preferred
Skills
- ✓Scientific and clinical knowledge interpretation
- ✓Professional communication with medical practitioners
- ✓Complex sales cycle management
- ✓Territory planning and stakeholder mapping
- ✓Presentation and public speaking abilities
- ✓Regulatory compliance understanding (SAHPRA)
- ✓Medical terminology proficiency
- ✓Ethical persuasion and influencing
Setting
Field-based visiting hospitals, clinics, and private practices
Hours
Flexible but typically 8am-6pm to accommodate doctor schedules
Travel
60-70% regional territory coverage
Physical Demands
Light - carrying samples and promotional literature
Salary Range
R18,000 - R35,000 per month base salary
Structure
Competitive base plus performance bonuses and incentives
Benefits
Company car/allowance, medical aid, pension, laptop, smartphone
Challenges
- •Limited access to busy healthcare professionals
- •Navigating complex hospital procurement processes
- •Maintaining ethical standards under sales pressure
- •Staying current with rapidly evolving medical research
Opportunities
- •High earning potential with specialized products
- •Career progression to key account or hospital sales
- •Transition to medical affairs or clinical liaison roles
- •International pharmaceutical company exposure
Industry Trends
- •Digital engagement with healthcare professionals
- •Value-based selling focused on patient outcomes
- •Biosimilars and specialty drug market growth
- •Multichannel marketing integration
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