Therapy Area Medical Head

Position Overview

The Therapy Area Medical Head is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping and executing the medical strategy for a therapeutic franchise. This position ensures alignment with global and local business objectives while maintaining the highest standards of scientific excellence and stakeholder engagement. As a key member of the franchise leadership team, the Therapy Area Medical Head will lead the Franchise Medical team and serve as the primary representative of Medical Affairs within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be tasked with the following core responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive Therapy Area Medical Strategy that aligns with global and regional objectives, including integrated planning for launch readiness, lifecycle management, and patient access initiatives.
• Operational Execution: Translate strategic plans into actionable operational medical plans tailored to specific countries or clusters, ensuring seamless execution and measurable outcomes.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop the Therapy Area Medical team, including Medical Leads and Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs), fostering a high-performance culture and driving professional growth.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ensure strong alignment and collaboration with commercial, regulatory, and access strategies to maximize the franchise’s impact and market success.
• Scientific Integrity: Uphold and promote the highest standards of medical and scientific credibility across all activities and communications within the organization.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Oversee medical information dissemination, evidence generation, and scientific exchange with key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, payers, and policymakers.
• Compliance and Governance: Ensure strict adherence to pharmacovigilance and regulatory standards, maintaining compliance with all applicable laws and guidelines.
• Clinical and Research Oversight: Provide strategic direction and oversight for clinical trials (Phase I–IV), Investigator-Initiated Studies (IITs), and Non-Interventional Studies (NIS) to support evidence-based decision-making and innovation.
• Healthcare Insights: Generate and leverage medical insights to influence clinical practice and healthcare policy, driving meaningful improvements in patient care and outcomes.

Qualifications and Experience

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

• Educational Background: An MD, MBBS, PharmD, or PhD in the Life Sciences. An MBA or equivalent advanced business qualification is considered a valuable asset.
• Professional Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Medical Affairs within the pharmaceutical industry, with a strong focus on specialty products.
• Regional Expertise: Demonstrated familiarity with the healthcare landscape in Saudi Arabia, including an understanding of local regulations, market dynamics, and stakeholder needs.
• Leadership Capabilities: Proven leadership experience with a track record of successfully managing and motivating diverse teams, fostering collaboration, and driving high-impact results.

Why Join Novartis?

At Novartis, we are committed to transforming the lives of patients through innovative science, compassionate care, and a culture of collaboration. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work alongside brilliant minds, contribute to groundbreaking research, and make a tangible difference in the world of healthcare. Our inclusive and dynamic work environment is designed to inspire creativity, foster professional growth, and empower you to achieve your full potential. Together, we strive to create a brighter, healthier future for all.

Benefits and Rewards

Novartis is dedicated to supporting your personal and professional development through a comprehensive benefits package. Explore the full range of our offerings, designed to help you thrive in every aspect of your career and life. For more details, please refer to our Employee Handbook.