At Cepheid, we are passionate about improving healthcare through fast, accurate diagnostic testing. As part of Danaher, we operate within a global science and technology community committed to meaningful innovation, continuous improvement, and developing exceptional leaders.

We are looking for an accomplished and forward-thinking Regional Commercial Head to lead our commercial organization and shape the next phase of Cepheid’s growth in this strategically important market.

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity with responsibility for sales, market development, customer experience, and field service excellence. You will define and execute the country’s commercial strategy, strengthen Cepheid’s position across the public and private healthcare sectors, and build trusted partnerships that contribute to sustainable growth and better healthcare outcomes.

The role combines strategic leadership, commercial ownership, operational excellence, and talent development. You will lead a diverse team, influence within a global matrix organization, and contribute to Cepheid’s broader regional growth strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Strategy and Growth

• Develop and execute the commercial strategy for South Africa, delivering sustainable revenue growth and increased market share.

• Identify emerging market opportunities and translate them into clear go-to-market priorities across the public and private healthcare sectors.

• Drive pipeline development, forecasting accuracy, performance tracking, and disciplined commercial execution.

• Ensure Cepheid’s effective participation in national tenders, strategic procurement initiatives, and other significant commercial opportunities.

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with key accounts, government stakeholders, healthcare authorities, key opinion leaders, industry partners, and other strategic stakeholders.

• Lead contract negotiations and establish partnerships that support market access, customer value, and long-term growth.

• Manage and strengthen distributor and commercial partner performance where applicable.

• Contribute to business planning and financial decision-making, with a strong focus on profitable and sustainable growth.

Customer and Service Excellence

• Provide strategic leadership across Sales, Customer Care, and Field Service, ensuring a consistent and high-quality customer experience.

• Deliver responsive, reliable, and high-value field service that supports customer satisfaction, operational continuity, and long-term partnership.

• Achieve service coverage and performance targets across South Africa and relevant regional markets.

• Identify opportunities to develop new service models and incremental revenue streams.

• Monitor service KPIs, customer feedback, and operational performance, driving continuous process improvement with key stakeholders.

• Lead critical service initiatives by developing clear project plans, tracking milestones and deliverables, and partnering with project management teams when required.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing commercial organization with a strong culture of accountability, inclusion, and collaboration.

• Set clear individual and team objectives, monitor performance, and provide timely, constructive feedback.

• Coach associates and support their long-term development through effective talent management and succession planning.

• Partner closely with regional and global teams, including Marketing, Market Access, Channel Management, Business Operations, Finance, and other functions, to deliver execution excellence.

• Create an environment in which diverse perspectives are valued and associates feel empowered to contribute, develop, and succeed.

• Serve as a visible, credible, and values-driven leader representing Cepheid with customers, partners, associates, and external stakeholders.

Governance and Integrity

• Ensure full compliance with Danaher’s Code of Conduct, internal policies, applicable healthcare regulations, and anti-corruption requirements, including the FCPA.

• Promote a strong culture of integrity, responsible decision-making, and ethical business practices across the organization.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree or relevant postgraduate qualification would be an advantage.

• At least 12 years of progressive professional experience, including a minimum of five years leading commercial teams.

• Strong experience within diagnostics, medical devices, life sciences, or the broader healthcare industry is highly preferred.

• Demonstrated success in developing and executing commercial strategies within complex and competitive markets.

• Proven ability to lead diverse teams, develop talent, manage performance, and deliver sustainable business results.

• Experience managing distributors, channel partners, or other strategic commercial partnerships.

• Strong understanding of public and private healthcare systems, tender processes, procurement models, and stakeholder engagement.

• Experience with P&L ownership or significant financial responsibility would be an advantage.

• Fluent English is required; proficiency in additional South African languages would be beneficial.

Leadership Capabilities

• An inspiring and credible leadership presence, with the ability to engage and motivate diverse teams.

• Strategic thinking supported by strong commercial judgment, financial acumen, and analytical capability.

• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.

• The ability to translate long-term strategy into focused priorities and consistent execution.

• Confidence operating within a global, matrixed, and multicultural organization.

• A strong commitment to customer value, healthcare impact, and continuous improvement.

• High ethical standards and the courage to make responsible, well-informed decisions.

Build Your Future with Cepheid and Danaher

This role offers the opportunity to lead a strategically important market, shape the future of Cepheid’s commercial organization in South Africa, and make a meaningful contribution to diagnostic access and healthcare outcomes.

As part of Danaher, you will be connected to a global environment that values innovation, continuous learning, leadership development, and career growth. You will have the opportunity to broaden your impact, learn from experienced leaders across multiple businesses and markets, and build a long-term career within a global science and technology organization.

If you are an ambitious commercial leader who wants to build high-performing teams, create sustainable growth, and make a meaningful difference in healthcare, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Join our winning team today. Together, we’ll accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life.

For more information, visit www.danaher.com.