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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.
- Why this job: Shape scientific strategy and make a real impact in the healthcare industry.
- Qualifications: Medical degree or PhD with 8-10 years in Medical Affairs, preferably in pharma.
- Other info: Ideal for strategic thinkers who thrive in fast-paced environments.
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 applying for a role like this.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the ABPI Code of Practice and relevant UK pharmaceutical regulations. Being well-versed in these guidelines will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and governance in medical affairs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous experiences where you led medical strategy or managed teams. Highlighting your ability to engage stakeholders and influence decisions will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience across multiple therapeutic areas. Be ready to provide examples of how you've adapted strategies to different contexts, as this versatility is crucial for a Director of Medical Affairs role.
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 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 your understanding of the role and how your background aligns with the key responsibilities. Mention your experience with KOLs and HCPs, and demonstrate your knowledge of the ABPI Code of Practice.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead medical strategy and manage stakeholder relationships. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact in previous roles.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a leadership role in Medical Affairs.
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 scientific strategies in previous roles and be ready to discuss the impact of those strategies on the organisation.
✨Highlight Your Regulatory Knowledge
Familiarity with UK pharmaceutical regulations and the ABPI Code is crucial. Brush up on these regulations before the interview and be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past positions.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Be ready to share experiences where you've led teams or projects, particularly in managing external relationships with KOLs and HCPs. Highlight your approach to stakeholder engagement.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think about challenges you've faced in medical affairs and how you navigated them, especially in a freelance or consulting context.
