Job Description

Position Summary

As the Head of Veterinary & Breeder Channels for Purina India, you will lead the development and growth of Purina's professional channels through veterinarians, breeders, veterinary institutions, and key petcare influencers.

The role is responsible for delivering business in these channels through advocacy, strengthening customer relationships, commercial plans, driving channel activation, and increasing recommendation and brand preference within the petcare ecosystem. You will own the strategy and execution of engagement programs, events, partnerships, and channel development initiatives that enhance Purina's visibility and be responsible for the commercial performance.

Working closely with Sales, Marketing and external stakeholders, you will establish Purina as the preferred partner across the veterinary and breeder communities while delivering business growth through these strategic channels.

Key Responsibilities

Veterinary & Breeder Channel Strategy

• Responsible for delivering the business targets for this channel
• Develop and execute the commercial & growth strategy for veterinary and breeder channels across India.
• Drive brand recommendation, advocacy, and customer acquisition through professional petcare networks.
• Identify and prioritize key veterinary clinics, hospitals, breeders, institutions, and influencers that can accelerate channel growth.
• Build sustainable engagement models to increase Purina's relevance and presence within the professional petcare ecosystem.
• Establish channel-specific goals, engagement plans, and commercial growth initiatives.

Advocacy & Relationship Management

• Develop strong relationships with veterinarians, breeders, academicians, institutions, associations, and industry influencers.
• Build and manage a robust network of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and channel advocates.
• Create partnership programs that strengthen Purina's visibility and reputation among professional stakeholders.
• Drive initiatives that increase recommendation, trial, and adoption of Purina products within veterinary and breeder communities.

Events & Customer Engagement

• Own Purina India's veterinary and breeder engagement calendar.
• Plan and execute participation in:
• Lead Purina-hosted conferences, KOL forums, advisory boards, customer meets, and networking events.
• Ensure high-quality execution and measurable commercial outcomes from all channel events and activations.
• Develop innovative engagement platforms that strengthen relationships and improve advocacy.

Commercial Activation & Business Development

• Partner with Sales and Marketing teams to design and execute channel-specific growth initiatives.
• Develop programs that improve conversion, retention, and recommendation within veterinary and breeder channels.
• Support commercial planning and expansion opportunities within the professional petcare ecosystem.
• Track channel performance and identify opportunities to increase penetration and business impact.
• Translate stakeholder insights into actionable business opportunities and market development initiatives.

Strategic Partnerships

• Build partnerships with veterinary colleges, universities, professional associations, breeder networks, and industry bodies.
• Identify collaboration opportunities that enhance Purina's reach, visibility, and credibility.
• Strengthen Purina's presence across key professional and industry platforms.
• Represent Purina at external events, industry forums, and stakeholder engagements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Sales, Marketing, Corporate Communications, Regulatory Affairs, and Consumer Engagement teams.
• Support product launches, category development initiatives, and business growth plans through channel advocacy programs.
• Provide insights on customer needs, market trends, competitive activity, and channel dynamics.
• Contribute to annual business planning and channel growth strategy.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Veterinary Science, Animal Sciences, Life Sciences, or a related field.
• MBA or postgraduate qualification preferred.

Experience

• 8-12 years of relevant experience in sales, channel development, customer marketing, trade marketing, business development, advocacy, or stakeholder management.
• Experience in pet food, animal health, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, FMCG, consumer products, or related industries preferred.
• Demonstrated success in managing professional customer networks, partnerships, or influencer ecosystems.
• Proven experience in planning and executing events, conferences, customer engagement programs, and partnership initiatives.
• Experience working in highly cross-functional commercial environments.