Senior Director, Field Medical Affairs - COVID/Virology

Shionogi•Florham Park, NJ

13d•$260,000 - $295,000

About The Position

The Senior Director, Field Medical Affairs (FMA) in COVID-19/Virology will be responsible for providing leadership, oversight, and overall direction to a group of US Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs). Will oversee and manage the MSL Team in cultivating Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), and emerging thought leaders in academic and clinical medicine at the national and regional levels. This position will support the design and execution of strategic therapeutic area plans under the guidance of the VP of US Medical Affairs, in close collaboration with the Senior Director, COVID-19/Virology Medical Lead, as well as cross-functional partners including the HQ Medical Team, Medical Operational Excellence, Medical Information, KAM Team Leads, and other key stakeholders. The SD of FMA in COVID-19/Virology is also responsible for the tactical execution of the field-based medical strategy for COVID-19/Virology therapeutic areas by managing and directing MSL efforts, initiatives, and activities, as well as development for the MSLs in support of such plans. Reports directly to the VP, US Medical Affairs.

Requirements

Advanced degree in a life sciences program with strong knowledge of science and healthcare.
Minimum of 12 years in the pharmaceutical industry, to include 5+ years in Field Medical Affairs as an MSL.
3+ years experience in Anti-infectives, Virology, and/or Vaccines required.
2+ years experience as a Team Lead required.
Proven experience building, leading and motivating national MSL teams.
Experience developing and executing strategic plans for the MSL team, align field activities with the broader organization, and communicate team progress to cross-functional and management teams.
Ability to lead and inspire MSL teams, set clear goals, and foster a collaborative work environment.
Understanding of industry regulations and compliance standards to ensure all interactions and communications adhere to legal and ethical guidelines.
Demonstrated experience in Medical Affairs operations with an emphasis on field-based teams.
Experience mentoring, providing career development guidance, and nurturing professional growth.
Knowledge of industry trends and latest medical advancements to guide and support MSL team interactions with healthcare professionals.
Proficiency in interpreting clinical data, scientific literature, and market insights to inform strategic decisions and support MSL activities, Medical Affairs strategies, and overall business objectives.
Understanding of pharmaceutical business principles and the ability to contribute to strategic medical and cross-functional discussions on product planning, development, and life-cycle management.
Extensive experience in U.S. pre-launch and launch activities strongly preferred.
Strong project management skills including organization, planning, oversight, attention to detail, and ensure timeline and accurate completion of deliverables.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple and competing projects and effectively allocate resources.
Capable of building and maintaining strong relationships with key opinion leaders, healthcare professionals, and internal stakeholders to drive scientific exchange and advocacy.
Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey complex scientific and medical information as well as strategic and metric reports to diverse audiences.
In-depth scientific knowledge with prior professional experience in the area of Infectious Diseases.
Demonstrated ability to command respect, influence, and inspire confidence both internally and externally when engaging with the team or stakeholders.
Ability to identify challenges, develop solutions, and make informed decisions in a dynamic and rapidly evolving organization.
Strong networking skills to foster connections within the medical and scientific communities, enhancing the MSL team's credibility and impact.
Proficient in utilizing Microsoft Office suite products.
Flexibility to adapt to changes in the business or industry while guiding team effectively.
Ability to consistently demonstrate professionalism, poise, and polished demeanor and appearance, while representing the organization.
This position has significant managerial and decision-making authority.
Ability to travel approximately 60% of the time, including multiple days overnight and occasional weekends.
Must live within a commutable distance to a large airport.
Driving in a safe manner to required meetings and appointments.
Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and ability to pass a complete background check.
Must have valid licenses and credentialing required to conduct business in assigned territory.

Responsibilities

Lead and inspire a team of high-performing Medical Science Liaison (MSL) professionals by fostering their development, managing performance, and guiding strategic execution to ensure impactful delivery of medical affairs initiatives. The Senior Director of Field Medical Affairs will directly lead a small team of MSLs while also supervising a Director of Field Medical Affairs, who is responsible for managing a larger group of MSLs.
Partners with recruiters, training, and operational colleagues to devise recruitment strategies and execute the activities required to build and develop high-performing MSL teams.
Develop and implement strategic medical affairs field-based plans and objectives that support Medical Affairs strategies for all Shionogi's marketed and pipeline COVID-19/Virology products, along with associated disease states; oversee execution of these plans and manage the associated budget; develop and provide meaningful reporting on MSL activities to management and key internal stakeholders.
Maintain an organizational infrastructure with appropriate geographical distribution for the Medical Affairs field team; ensure robust training and monitor performance of the team.
Collaborates closely with the Field Medical Affairs Trainer to assess training needs, identify competency enhancement opportunities, and drive team development initiatives that strengthen effectiveness and address the evolving challenges of KOL engagement.
Lead the identification of and interactions with KOLs in designated disease areas and/or geography on a national and regional level and, when appropriate, on a local community level.
Oversee appropriate scientific exchange with the external HCP community, KOLs and investigators, through robust and balanced communication of medical and scientific information on Shionogi's marketed and pipeline products, along with associated disease states.
Collaborate with Medical Affairs colleagues (Medical Directors, Medical Communications, Medical Information, etc.) to execute therapeutic area strategy and tactics with appropriate use of resources.
Gain customer insights and provide this feedback on a regular basis to internal stakeholders for continual improvements to processes and materials and potential business opportunities realized.
Ensure and enforce compliant and appropriate practices in all HCP interactions.
Effectively communicate with all internal stakeholders (Clinical, Marketing, Market Access, and Sales colleagues), including support/leading Medical Affairs cross-functional teams as needed.
Drive and facilitate expansion of research, advisory and educational opportunities with external stakeholders.
Ensure appropriate representation and discussion of medical and scientific information in settings such as advisory boards, presentations to payers, formulary decision makers, and other HCPs.
Serve on Medical Affairs and Commercial advisory boards as well as cross-functional teams.
Direct field-based Medical Affairs attendance and coverage at congresses and meetings, including post-conference reporting to internal stakeholders.
Monitor the competitive environment to sustain expertise in therapeutic area treatment management and new therapies, competitive products, and features.
Maintain policies and processes to guide daily operations of the Medical Affairs field team; ensure operational tools, materials and equipment is available to the team to support their productivity.
Ensures compliance with all communication and field activities, relevant to corporate policies, and regulatory guidelines.
Other duties as assigned.