Director of Medical Affairs, Oncology

Lead a best in class oncology medical affairs team and work in collaboration with your Cross-functional counterparts, to provide expert strategic input, leading on Value and Implementation, Medical Affairs objectives in the Oncology therapeutic area. You will hold the overall responsibility for the development and delivery of UK Oncology Medical Affairs Plans in close alignment with Ireland and the overall strategic objectives for the UK, and in partnerships with the UK Medical Leadership Team. Work within a UK framework in collaboration with our Regional Medical Affairs EMEAC and the Global Oncology Team, identifying areas of strategic interest within the UK scope, and addressing those with a tactically focused Medical Affairs Plan. Have a healthcare professional-focused approach, developing professional relationships with scientific and clinical leaders in Oncology and supporting efforts in key strategic areas.  These interactions also extend to regulatory bodies, payer groups and key advocacy groups. Lead, on behalf of the UK company, the collaborative relationships with our Oncology partners. Will partner with the EMEAC Oncology lead, Regional Value and Implementation Teams and Oncology Global Medical Affairs to share medical/scientific expertise, as well as in other functional areas such as Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Legal and Marketing in the UK. Will also maintain responsibility for strategic collaboration towards new approvals and regulatory reporting as required. Ensure operational and fiscal excellence in the oncology medical affairs directorate, in close alignment with the UK Medical Leadership Team. To function in a non-promotional capacity for 100% of the time spent in role. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Work in collaboration with the Medical Affairs United Kingdom and Ireland Leadership team (UKILT), the UK Oncology Cross-functional Leadership team and lead the Oncology Medical Affairs Directorate. 

• Strategically plan for the implementation of oncology medicines and utilise the team (and working partnership with cross-functional teams) to create strong strategic Medical Action Plans (MAPs) for each key area / asset.  

• Deliver, through leadership of the team, tactics in the MAPs to a high standard of medical affairs excellence, and in doing so, seek to administer new capabilities and innovation for the team where needed.  

• Represent our company medical function as the senior leader for our Oncology portfolio at clinical or scientific meetings or by direct 1:1’s, building strong relationships with top tier stakeholders in healthcare provision, academic research, commissioning, NHSE, etc.  

• Lead for the UK, working closely with External Affairs, Scientific Policy, to ensure detailed mapping of emerging and evolving UK life sciences capabilities and opportunities to connect these with UK MAPs and global strategies.  

• Ensure a detailed knowledge of the company early and late pipeline is developed and maintained with strategic collaboration / alignment with discovery, development, value and access and regulatory teams to give strategic directs and forsee organisational setup.  

• Undertake advice seeking activities for pipeline medicines and define the potential impact on the patient early in the development cycle.  

• Work in close collaboration with the Head of Health Technology Assessment and Outcomes Research, maintaining oversight of the UK medical affairs Phase 3b and phase 4 (RWD) projects, with matrix leadership of study operations and budget, delivering an inclusive integrated evidence plan (IEP) with robust and timely data generation and publication.  

• In partnership with market access and commercial colleagues, deliver effective horizon scanning activities and HTA submissions. This would include creating access programmes (where appropriate) to deliver medicines earlier to patients.  

• Assess directorate team capabilities and operational status to ensure that the team are excelling in meeting UK regulatory and governance frameworks. Working with UKILT ensure directorate members are ‘audit’ ready e.g. MHRA audits and lead the team during audits.  

• In collaboration with the UKILT, support the implementation of the UK and Ireland (UKI) medical affairs training programme and contributing to its development. In delivering team objectives champion cross functional partnership and dismantle silo working.  

• Develop and mentor talent to fulfil their potential, attracting new talent to the organisation and effectively addressing under performance. When appropriate deputise for other medical UKILT members. 

Qualifications and Experience 

• Medical / pharmacy degree, or higher science degree with industry experience and clear demonstration of achievements.  

• Significant medical affairs experience is essential and clinical development being a bonus. Oncology experience essential.  

• High level of knowledge of ABPI Code of Practice, preferably a final signatory status.  

• A demonstration of understanding the identification, application and adoption of innovative technologies and processes in the pharmaceutical and/or healthcare delivery environments.  

• Proven leadership with a focus on talent development skills. Having managed teams before essential.  

• Proven relationship building skills with scientific leaders (either in the pharmaceutical industry or healthcare/academic setting).   

• Understanding of the wider NHS environment and key opportunities for pharma and the NHS to partner effectively within the scope of the ABPI Code of Practice. 

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively for the common good. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.