Location: Harare-Zimbabwe
Hours: Full-time
Reports to: Laboratory Director – Africa Clinical Research Network
Who we are
The Africa Clinical Research Network.
The African Clinical Research Network (ACRN) is an African-led and African-driven clinical research organisation. Our work not only promotes and supports a vibrant life sciences ecosystem but also profoundly impacts Africa's health and economic development. By facilitating sustainable, innovative, collaborative, and community-oriented research, ACRN is poised to transform healthcare and improve lives across Africa, inspiring a new era of clinical research.
We provide high-quality data, harmonise regulatory processes to improve timelines, support capacity building within the existing ethics and regulatory systems, and enhance community trust and research participation. These are some of the first key steps to making Africa more competitive in the global life sciences industry, a goal we are proud to contribute to.
The ACRN drives clinical research excellence by connecting researchers to opportunities, enhancing research capacity in existing facilities, implementing high-quality trials and research, and leveraging a robust digital infrastructure.
We are committed to fostering the community's understanding of research. Through our community engagement network, we significantly increase stakeholder buy-in of clinical results, thereby enhancing the transparency and credibility of our research.
Job Summary:
We are establishing a clinical research network and are on a mission to revolutionise clinical research in Africa. Our vision is to build a sustainable, African-led research ecosystem that drives health equity and innovation. By establishing a network of world-class clinical research sites and capabilities, we aim to generate the evidence Africa needs to inform health decisions and policies, while cultivating the next generation of African scientific leaders.
Africa has been underrepresented in global clinical research, conducting only 2% of clinical research despite shouldering 25% of the world's disease burden. While there have been significant investments in disease-specific clinical research sites and networks, these approaches have often led to fragmented infrastructure, limited capacity, and reliance on expatriate leadership. Such models have struggled to drive long-term sustainability or meet the broader health needs of African countries and regions beyond narrow therapeutic areas. Consequently, health products and policies in Africa are often informed by data from other settings, which may not fully account for the rich diversity of African populations and local contexts. This lack of locally relevant evidence hinders the development of tailored health solutions that effectively address Africa's unique challenges and priorities.
Our clinical research network is on a mission to transform this landscape. By partnering with leading institutions and trial units across the continent, we will establish a network of clinical research sites that serve two critical goals: diversifying global research and empowering Africa to meet the healthcare needs of its rapidly growing population.
Our network will be designed to catalyse Africa's self-sufficiency in pharmaceutical and vaccine R&D and manufacturing, ensuring the continent can drive its own health innovation agenda. We will establish digital and clinical infrastructure, while prioritizing deep community engagement to foster trust, relevance and impact.
At our sites, we will conduct rigorous, ethical research that puts African populations and priorities at the centre. By generating high-quality local data that reflects the diversity of African contexts, we can accelerate the development and delivery of tailored global health solutions - for Africa, by Africa. Our goal is to build sustainable research capacity that outlasts any single study or funder, empowering African institutions to become global leaders in clinical research and scientific innovation for generations to come.
Overview:
The Diagnostic Laboratory Business Development Manager is responsible for expanding the company’s client base and driving revenue growth through strategic partnerships, sales initiatives, and promotion of diagnostic laboratory services. The role requires a strong understanding of the diagnostic and healthcare industry, exceptional sales and relationship management skills, and the ability to identify and secure new business opportunities.
This position focuses on building lasting relationships with hospitals, clinics, physicians, research organizations, and other stakeholders, positioning the company as a leader in diagnostic laboratory services.
Key Responsibilities:
Business Development and Sales:
Develop and execute a business development strategy to meet and exceed sales and revenue goals.
Identify, target, and establish relationships with prospective clients, including healthcare providers, research institutions, and corporate partners.
Promote the laboratory’s diagnostic services, highlighting capabilities in areas such as clinical testing, genetic testing, and specialized diagnostics.
Client Relationship Management:
Serve as the primary liaison between clients and the laboratory, ensuring a high level of service and satisfaction.
Build and maintain long-term relationships with existing clients, identifying opportunities to expand service offerings.
Address client concerns and provide solutions to enhance the customer experience.
Proposal Development and Contract Negotiation:
Collaborate with technical and operational teams to prepare tailored proposals and service agreements.
Lead contract negotiations, ensuring favourable terms for both the client and the company.
Monitor service delivery and ensure contract compliance.
Market Research and Strategy:
Conduct market research to identify emerging trends, competitor activities, and opportunities for new service offerings.
Provide insights and recommendations to leadership on market positioning and business expansion strategies.
Stay updated on advancements in diagnostic technologies and regulations to maintain the company’s competitive edge.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting:
Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and prepare regular reports on business development activities and outcomes.
Use CRM tools to manage the sales pipeline and maintain detailed records of client interactions.
Provide feedback on operational improvements to enhance service delivery and client satisfaction.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of experience in business development, sales, or account management, within diagnostic/healthcare and a focus on laboratory equipment.
Proven track record of securing contracts and achieving sales targets in a laboratory or healthcare setting.
Skills and Competencies:
Strong knowledge of diagnostic laboratory services and the healthcare market in Africa.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in CRM software (e.g., Salesforce) and Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
Ability to analyse market trends and develop actionable strategies.
Key Attributes:
Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on achieving results.
Ability to build trust and establish credibility with diverse stakeholders.
Adaptability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
High degree of professionalism and ethical conduct.
Work Environment:
This position is based in Zimbabwe, with occasional travel to other office locations as necessary. The role may require flexible working hours to support remote teams and ensure systems are running smoothly across time zones.
