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- Tasks: Lead UK Medical Affairs strategy and manage key relationships in the healthcare sector.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on innovative medical solutions in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Ideal for strategic thinkers who thrive in fast-paced environments.
- Why this job: Shape scientific strategies and make a real impact in the healthcare landscape.
- Qualifications: Medical degree or PhD with 8-10 years in Medical Affairs, preferably in pharma.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly experienced and strategically minded Freelance Medical Affairs Director to lead and support medical affairs activities for our UK operations. In this role you will need to play a key leadership role in shaping scientific strategy, managing external relationships, and ensuring medical governance for products across their lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead UK Medical Affairs strategy and execution across designated therapeutic areas
- Oversee development and delivery of medical plans aligned with corporate and product strategy
- Lead external engagement with key opinion leaders (KOLs), healthcare professionals (HCPs), and advisory boards
- Ensure compliance with ABPI Code of Practice and relevant regulatory frameworks
- Oversee review and approval of promotional and non-promotional materials (via copy approval processes)
- Provide medical input for HTA submissions, pricing and reimbursement discussions
- Support clinical development and real-world evidence (RWE) activities as needed
- Manage freelance MSLs, medical writers, or other contract staff if applicable
Qualifications & Experience
- Medical degree (MD, MBBS) or PhD in a relevant life science discipline
- Minimum 8–10 years\’ experience in Medical Affairs roles, ideally within the UK pharma or biotech sector
- Strong knowledge of UK pharmaceutical regulations and ABPI Code
- Demonstrated ability to lead medical strategy and stakeholder engagement
- Experience working in freelance, consulting, or contract medical roles desirable
- Wide experience across multiple therapeutic areas.
Skills & Competencies
- Strategic thinker with hands-on execution ability
- Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
- Able to operate autonomously in a fast-paced, matrixed environment
- Comfortable managing both high-level strategy and operational details
- ABPI Final Signatory status (preferred or required, depending on need)
Director of Medical Affairs employer: Barrington James
Contact Detail:
Barrington James Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Medical Affairs
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the medical affairs field, especially those who have experience in the UK pharma or biotech sector. Attend industry conferences and seminars to meet key opinion leaders and healthcare professionals, as these connections can be invaluable when seeking a leadership role.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest developments in UK pharmaceutical regulations and the ABPI Code of Practice. This knowledge will not only enhance your credibility but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and governance, which are crucial for the Director of Medical Affairs role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your strategic thinking and hands-on execution ability by discussing past experiences where you successfully led medical strategies or managed stakeholder engagements. Prepare specific examples that highlight your leadership skills and your impact on previous projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the therapeutic areas relevant to the position. Research current trends, challenges, and innovations within these fields to demonstrate your expertise and readiness to lead medical affairs activities effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Medical Affairs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in Medical Affairs, particularly within the UK pharma or biotech sector. Emphasise your strategic thinking and leadership roles, as well as any specific therapeutic areas you have worked in.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate why you are the ideal candidate for the Director of Medical Affairs position. Discuss your experience with KOL engagement, compliance with the ABPI Code, and your ability to lead medical strategy.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Be sure to mention your medical degree or PhD in a relevant life science discipline. Highlight your 8-10 years of experience in Medical Affairs and any freelance or consulting roles that demonstrate your adaptability and expertise.
Demonstrate Your Strategic Mindset: Provide examples in your application that showcase your strategic thinking and hands-on execution ability. Discuss how you've successfully managed external relationships and ensured compliance in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barrington James
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Director of Medical Affairs, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples of how you've shaped medical strategies in previous roles, particularly in the UK pharma or biotech sector.
✨Highlight Your Regulatory Knowledge
Familiarity with the ABPI Code of Practice and UK pharmaceutical regulations is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past positions and how you would approach this in the new role.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Engaging with KOLs and HCPs is a key part of the job. Prepare to share specific instances where you've successfully built and maintained these relationships, showcasing your influencing skills.
✨Prepare for Operational Discussions
While strategy is important, operational execution matters too. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed teams or projects, especially in freelance or contract roles, and how you balance high-level strategy with day-to-day operations.