Medical Operations Lead, Greater Gulf MCO

Role Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Medical Operations Lead, Greater Gulf MCO to join our General Medicines Medical team in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This pivotal role will drive the execution of Medical Country Operations (MCO) and country-specific medical plans in alignment with global brand and customer strategies, ensuring operational excellence, budget optimization, and launch success across the Greater Gulf region. The ideal candidate will serve as a critical liaison between diverse functional teams within a complex, global, multicultural, and matrix organization, fostering collaboration to deliver transformative healthcare solutions for chronic and specialty conditions such as diabetes, transplant (chronic GvHD), and immunology.

Key Responsibilities

The Medical Operations Lead will be responsible for the following core functions:

• Strategic Execution & Collaboration: Contribute to the operational implementation of Medical Plans within Greater Gulf countries, working closely with local medical teams to establish and execute strategic objectives across AT1D, Transplant (chronic GvHD), CMB, and Established Products.
• Launch Excellence Leadership: Lead the execution of Medical Launch Excellence initiatives within cross-functional teams, monitoring and challenging project teams to ensure alignment with project strategy, including scope, budget, timeline, and quality standards.
• Performance & Budget Management: Conduct periodic MCO medical performance reviews, oversee budget planning, and prioritize medical projects and studies to drive efficiency and effectiveness. Actively manage the Country/MCO Medical Budget (Medical Management and Clinical), identifying variances, proposing resource reallocations, and ensuring accurate forecasting and expense reconciliation.
• KPIs & Metrics Definition: Coordinate the definition of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and performance metrics to ensure excellence in execution, efficient planning, and seamless implementation of Brand and Therapeutic Area strategies.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including Key Markets Medical Operations, Real-World Evidence (RWE) Global Team, Finance, Business Operations, GTMC, and Global Medical Operations, to align on medical strategies and operational priorities.
• Compliance & Ethics: Ensure strict adherence to medical compliance in alignment with global policies, guaranteeing that all medical activities are conducted to the highest ethical standards.
• Process Optimization: Contribute to and lead internal projects aimed at simplifying and optimizing medical transformation processes, including managing or co-leading operational meetings and working groups.

About Sanofi

Sanofi is a forward-thinking, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company powered by artificial intelligence, dedicated to enhancing global health outcomes and delivering sustainable growth. Our deep expertise in immunology and innovative pipeline enable us to develop life-changing medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions worldwide. By uniting science, technology, and compassion, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, driving progress toward a healthier future.

Qualifications & Experience

To excel in this role, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Professional Experience: 2–3 years of specialized experience in Medical Operations, Medical Excellence, or Medical Governance within the pharmaceutical industry is preferred. A minimum of 5 years of overall professional experience in project management, including planning, budget management, and executing complex strategies, is required.
• Education: A degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., BS, MS, PhD, PharmD, MD, or DVM) or a related field is essential. An MBA or professional project management qualification (e.g., PMP or Agile Methodology) is highly advantageous.
• Industry Knowledge: Demonstrated experience in drug development, medical affairs, or a related field, with a strong understanding of the current pharmaceutical landscape.
• Launch Excellence: Proven track record in product launch and launch excellence, with the ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder programs.
• Project Management Skills: Strong project management capabilities, including scenario and contingency planning, to navigate dynamic and high-stakes environments.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional transversal communication, networking, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to thrive in matrix and cross-cultural organizations.
• Personal Attributes: Results-driven with a positive, pragmatic, and resilient approach. Open to change and capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels with strong negotiation and decision-making abilities.

Work Environment

This role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with minimal travel requirements. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to transformative healthcare solutions while collaborating with a diverse and global team of professionals committed to making a difference in patients' lives.