Sr. Director - Medical Affairs Oncology

Lilly • Toronto, ON

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director, Medical Affairs – Oncology (solid tumor and hematology) is a senior scientific and strategic leader responsible for setting the medical vision and driving cross-functional execution across the oncology therapeutic area (TA). This individual serves as the primary medical authority for the oncology business unit, leading a team of Medical Affairs professionals to deliver evidence-based, patient-centric medical strategies that support peri-launch and lifecycle commercialization of oncology assets. This role combines deep oncology expertise with organizational leadership, requiring the ability to influence at the executive level, partner effectively with Commercial, Regulatory, Clinical Development, Market Access, and external stakeholders, and shape a high-performance culture grounded in scientific rigor, inclusion, and continuous learning.

Requirements

• Advanced scientific or clinical degree required: MD, PharmD, or PhD in a relevant biomedical discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry, with at least 7 years in Medical Affairs.
• Minimum 5 years of direct people management experience, with a demonstrated track record of building and leading high-performing, diverse teams.
• Proven oncology Medical Affairs experience, including familiarity with targeted therapy, immuno-oncology, biomarker-driven development, and/or hematologic malignancy landscapes.
• Demonstrated ability to influence without authority and lead strategic alignment across Commercial, R&D, Regulatory, and Market Access functions in a matrixed organization.
• Strong executive presence and communication skills; ability to distill complex scientific and business information for senior leadership, Health Authorities, and external audiences.
• Experience shaping and executing evidence generation strategies including RWE, IIS programs, HEOR research, and Phase III/IV studies.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with KOLs, academic medical centers, cooperative oncology groups, and patient advocacy organizations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading peri-launch Medical Affairs strategy and execution for advanced oncology therapies.
• Familiarity with global medical affairs, including experience leading or collaborating with international affiliate medical teams and regional medical strategies.
• Proficiency in digital health tools, real-world data platforms, or omnichannel medical engagement models.
• Experience working across multiple tumor types or therapeutic modalities (e.g., antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, small molecule inhibitors).

Responsibilities

• Define and own the therapeutic area medical strategy, integrating scientific intelligence and clinical evidence to inform brand lifecycle plans, publication strategy, and evidence generation priorities.
• Serve as the senior medical content owner for all oncology assets, ensuring alignment between global and local medical plans, regulatory milestones, and commercial objectives.
• Drive the development of compelling scientific narratives and data packages to support product positioning, payer submissions, and key opinion leader (KOL) engagement.
• Oversee the Medical Affairs evidence generation plan, including Investigator-initiated Studies (IIS), Real-World Evidence (RWE) initiatives, Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR), and Phase IIIb/IV trial support.
• Guide the identification, cultivation, and engagement of KOLs, advisory boards, cooperative groups, and professional societies to generate external advocacy and scientific exchange.
• Review and provide medical/scientific oversight for external grants, donations, and sponsorship requests consistent with company policies and compliance standards.
• Serve as the Medical Affairs representative and scientific voice on brand teams, portfolio review boards, and executive-level business forums.
• Collaborate with Regulatory Affairs to align on label strategy, post-marketing commitments, and risk management plans; represent medical in Health Authority interactions as appropriate.
• Engage with Market Access and HEOR teams to develop payer-relevant evidence frameworks, health-economic models, and value dossiers that support reimbursement and access objectives.
• Coordinate Medical Education, MSL field force, and MSL leadership to ensure coherent, compliant, and impactful medical communications across all external touchpoints.
• Represent the company at major oncology congresses, scientific symposia, and regulatory advisory committees.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Medical Directors, Associate Medical Directors, Medical Science Liaisons, and supporting Medical Affairs professionals within the oncology TA.
• Establish individualized development plans that leverage each team member's strengths, close capability gaps, and build scientific and leadership depth across the organization.
• Drive talent acquisition, retention, and succession planning in partnership with Human Resources and senior leadership.
• Lead rigorous performance management processes, including goal setting, ongoing coaching, mid-year and annual performance reviews, and compensation recommendations.
• Model and reinforce inclusive leadership behaviors that foster psychological safety, equitable participation, and authentic professional expression for all team members.
• Build and sustain a high-performing, inclusive team culture that rewards innovation, intellectual curiosity, scientific rigor, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Monitor and manage team capacity, resource allocation, and Medical Affairs budget to ensure the organization is appropriately staffed to deliver on launch and lifecycle objectives.
• Establish and track medical impact KPIs to evaluate the effectiveness of TA activities and continuously improve performance.
• Ensure all Medical Affairs activities are conducted in strict accordance with applicable laws, regulations, company SOPs, and ethical standards.
• Promote a culture of compliance by ensuring team members complete required training and maintain clear accountability for regulatory and policy adherence.
• Identify and proactively resolve systemic barriers that impede team effectiveness, customer experience, or scientific delivery.

Benefits

• Participation in the Lilly Bonus Program
• Car allowance
• Pension plan
• Vacation benefits
• Healthcare benefits
• Flexible benefits
• Life insurance and death benefits
• Certain time off and leave of absence benefits
• Well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree