Pharmaceutical delegate

Pharmaceutical delegate

Pharmaceutical sales representatives, also known as medical sales representatives or pharmaceutical sales reps, work for the pharmaceutical industry. Their main role is to promote and sell drugs, medical devices or healthcare products to doctors, pharmacists, hospitals and other healthcare professionals. They play an essential intermediary role in disseminating information about their company's products and promoting their use. In addition to this sales function, the pharmaceutical sales representative has a real advisory and expert role on his or her products, providing technical information tailored to the needs of healthcare professionals. They are also responsible for training store staff and doctors, an aspect which is often more important in this sector than in others, to ensure correct and informed use of the products on offer.

1. Promotion of pharmaceutical products: introduce new products to doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
2. Training and information: ensuring that healthcare professionals understand and promote product characteristics, benefits, contraindications and side effects.
3. Sales and customer care: implement sales actions to promote the brand's products: negotiate quantities, prices, promotions and place orders... In order to maintain a relationship with existing customers and win their loyalty.
4. Checking product presence: go into the store, check the number of facings, check for product shortages and put products back on the shelf.
5. Reporting and administrative follow-up: filling in visit reports, tracking orders and providing feedback on performance.
6. Market analysis: assess the needs of the pharmaceutical market and analyze the competition.

The job of pharmaceutical representative is accessible after a minimum of 2 years' higher education, so it's possible to do it on a sandwich course. There are several possible routes to this position: business-oriented training or a scientific background. However, after training in sales, certification or a specialized diploma in pharmacy or science will be required.

• In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical products: familiarity with drugs, their uses and industry legislation.
• Mastery of sales and negotiation techniques: interpersonal skills, persuasiveness.
• Customer relationship management skills: manage customer accounts and monitor sales performance.
• Proficiency in office automation and CRM: use of contact and sales management tools.

• Excellent communication skills: ability to convince and explain technical information clearly.
• Analytical and listening skills: listening to the needs of healthcare professionals, empathy and an analytical mind.
• Autonomy and organization: know how to work alone and manage your schedule.

Although a beginner can enter this profession, initial experience in sales or healthcare is highly recommended, as it is important to be familiar with terms and regulations specific to the pharmaceutical sector. For more experienced profiles, several years in sales or the pharmaceutical industry will enable you to progress to positions of responsibility.

• Pharmaceutical sales representatives may wish to move on to positions of greater responsibility, such as Sales Manager or Regional/National Director, in order to supervise a team.
• With years of experience, they can move up the skills ladder to become Pharmaceutical Product Managers, working on product management, marketing and communication.

Pharmaceutical sales representatives can earn a minimum of 2,000 euros gross per month at the start of their career. Salary can quickly rise with experience to between 3,000 and 4,000 euros gross per month. Pharmaceutical sales representatives earn commission based on sales, and benefit from a company car.

Pharmaceutical sales representatives are often on the move to meet their customers, whether in doctors' surgeries, hospitals or pharmacies. They generally work independently, but may be part of a sales team or regional network within a pharmaceutical company.

• Drive and perseverance: sales can be long and hard work.
• Professional ethics: respect for the rules and ethics associated with medical products.
• Ability to work under pressure: achieve commercial objectives while respecting public health standards.