Head of Medical Affairs (Rheumatology)

Position Summary

The Head of Medical Affairs will lead the strategic and operational direction of Medical Affairs for a fast-growing, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company focused on regenerative medicine and therapies for rheumatic disorders. This role will be responsible for building and scaling a high-performing Medical Affairs function, driving scientific engagement, and ensuring the effective communication of clinical and real-world evidence to external stakeholders.

The role requires a seasoned medical leader who can operate at both a strategic and hands-on level, partnering cross-functionally to support product commercialization, lifecycle management, and pipeline advancement.

Key Responsibilities



Medical Affairs Leadership & Strategy

• Define and execute the global Medical Affairs strategy aligned with corporate and commercial objectives
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing Medical Affairs team, including MSLs and medical directors
• Establish Medical Affairs infrastructure, processes, and performance metrics
  
  

Scientific Engagement & External Leadership

• Serve as the senior scientific leader engaging key opinion leaders (KOLs), investigators, and healthcare providers
• Oversee KOL engagement strategy, advisory boards, and scientific exchange activities
• Represent the company at major congresses, symposia, and scientific forums
  
  

Evidence Generation & Data Strategy

• Lead the development and execution of evidence generation plans, including clinical, real-world, and health economics outcomes research (HEOR)
• Oversee investigator-initiated studies (IIS), registries, and post-marketing studies
• Ensure timely dissemination of scientific data through publications, presentations, and medical education
  
  

Product Support & Lifecycle Management

• Provide medical leadership across product lifecycle stages, including launch readiness and post-launch optimization
• Partner with Clinical Development on pipeline strategy and trial design
• Support development of medical materials and ensure scientific accuracy and compliance
  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Commercial, Market Access, Regulatory, and R&D teams (ensuring appropriate compliance boundaries)
• Provide medical input into brand strategy, payer value propositions, and external communications
• Act as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to business strategy and decision-making
  
  

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure all Medical Affairs activities adhere to regulatory, legal, and ethical standards
• Establish and maintain SOPs and governance frameworks for medical activities
• Serve as a key point of accountability for medical compliance and risk management
  
  

Desired Skills and Experience

MD Required, ideally Board Certified Rheumatologist
10-15 years of experience within Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, or related functions
Recent experience in Medical Affairs function