Position Summary
The Medicine Trading Lead is responsible for leading all pharmaceutical trading operations for the company’s new retail pharmacy chain in Vietnam. This role oversees product portfolio strategy, supplier management, pricing, category performance, regulatory compliance, and commercial negotiations. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience from major pharmacy chains in Vietnam and a strong network in the pharmaceutical distribution ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities
Trading & Category Management
Lead planning for SKU selection, product lifecycle management, and rationalization of slow- moving or low- margin items.
Build and manage the overall medicine trading strategy for both ethical (ETC) and over- the- counter (OTC) portfolios.
Implement competitive pricing strategies aligned with market benchmarks and company margin targets.
Develop category strategies for key therapeutic groups, focusing on assortment optimization, profitability, and customer demand trends.
Supplier & Partner Management
Establish and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and import partners.
Manage vendor performance, ensuring compliance with quality, delivery timelines, and service agreements.
Evaluate and onboard new suppliers to expand product variety and improve cost efficiency.
Lead commercial negotiations for purchase prices, trading terms, rebates, and annual contracts.
Procurement Operations
Work closely with Supply Chain, Finance, and Retail Operations to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize OOS/overstock.
Ensure procurement processes follow GDP (Good Distribution Practice) and local regulations.
Oversee end- to- end procurement processes including forecasting, ordering, inventory control, and stock allocation across pharmacy stores and warehouses.
Market Intelligence & Business Development
Support feasibility assessments for expansion into adjacent categories (health supplements, medical devices, personal care).
Monitor industry trends, competitive pricing, and regulatory updates in Vietnam’s pharmaceutical landscape.
Identify opportunities to introduce exclusive imports, private label products, or strategic partnerships to strengthen competitive advantage.
Regulatory Compliance
Collaborate with QA/RA teams to ensure product documentation and licensing are properly maintained.
Ensure all trading activities fully comply with the Law on Pharmacy, MOH regulations, import regulations, and product registration requirements.
Leadership & People Management
Build and lead a high- performing Trading & Category team.
Promote strong collaboration with Retail, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, and the Singapore HQ.
Provide coaching, KPIs, and development plans for team members.
