VP, International Medical, BioPharma Business Unit

At AstraZeneca we turn ideas into life changing medicines.  Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality.  We’re focused on the potential of science to address the unmet needs of patients around the world.  We commit to those areas where we think we can really change the course of medicine and bring new ideas to life. 

In order to accomplish our goals and enable the best patient outcomes, we look for AstraZeneca medical network leaders to have four core capabilities and act as role models to our AstraZeneca values. These capabilities include:

• Track record of building and maintaining a deep and continued connection to Medical Practice/healthcare delivery

• Collaborative/matrix management skills with a focus on leading diverse groups (e.g., cultural, geographical, functional) to achieve excellent results in shared goals

• Well-developed communication and influencing skills with the ability to distil complexity down to what matters to our stakeholders Strong financial/budget and project management skills

• Business acumen

As VP Medical Affairs International – BBU, you will report to the EVP International, and dotted line to SVP, Biopharmaceuticals Medical; and will be a member of the International Leadership Team as well as the BioPharma Global Medical Affairs Leadership Team.  The key aspects of the role include ensuring optimal country execution of the medical affairs priorities, plus strong partnering with the Commercial VPs and AVPs to shape and communicate a clear International direction for AstraZeneca's BioPharma portfolio and medical plans.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Drive the continued development of affiliates' core capabilities and medical excellence standard to drive AstraZeneca’s medical and scientific leadership in the clinical and healthcare system communities

• Strong leadership of and partnering with the BioPharma Medical Affairs Directors within key markets to ensure delivery of brand and medical priorities in the TA (Therapeutic Area)

• Provide strong International medical input into Global Medical plans and strategic planning, to ensure the global strategies and deliverables meet the needs of International; ensure marketing companies have clarity on global priorities, facilitate appropriate local/regional adaptation & optimal execution

• Ensure launch readiness for our emerging BioPharma products in International

• In partnership with healthcare systems, accelerate

  • Adoption of clinical guidelines and major health policies for market growth (key classes of medicines) across the region and

  • Clinical trial delivery in priority countries through MSL deployment and expanded clinical research footprint

• Rapid dissemination of best practice across the Region, especially regarding launch and market development

• Deliver above market activities/interventions where common needs exist particularly with regard to evidence generation (interventional studies, x-functional implementation of RWD, real world evidence for brands, quality improvement programs and registries)

Accountable for the overall BioPharma Medical Budgets and personnel in key markets

Essential Requirements

• Deep clinical expertise in Cardiovascular, renal, metabolic, respiratory or immunology specialties

• Extensive Medical Affairs experience at a senior level, including deep understanding of product development, academic research institutes, Key External Expert engagement and life cycle management

• Global or regional, and local experience required as either Country Medical Director or BioPharma Medical Director in at least 1 medium-to-large market (inclusive of significant product launches experience)

• Experience of developing robust local/regional medical strategies and evidence generations, and track record of successful execution of complex local and global plans

• Deep understanding of the International regulatory and Healthcare environment, including access and payers landscapes

• Established trusted relationships with relevant therapeutic area experts

• Ability to influence without authority, including senior stakeholders

• Proven track record of successful planning and managing of complex budgets and financial processes

• Strong track record in hiring, developing and retaining talented individuals, and in establishing high-performing teams

• Mobility (frequent business trips)

• Fluency in English

• MD (or equivalent) preferred

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.