At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead medical strategy for Autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes and drive innovative patient care.
- Company: Join Sanofi, a global leader in healthcare with a commitment to scientific innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with a focus on talent development and ethical standards.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on T1D care while shaping the future of medicine.
- Qualifications: Healthcare professional with leadership experience in Medical Affairs and strong strategic skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: Reading, UK
Working pattern: Hybrid working (3 days office/field based with flexibility for strategic external engagements)
Travel – up to 20-30% of time
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join Sanofi as Therapy Area Medical Head (TAH) for Autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes (aT1D) — a senior medical affairs leadership role at the heart of one of the most scientifically compelling and rapidly evolving therapy areas in medicine today. As Medical Head, you will be a driving force behind Sanofi's medical strategy in the UK and Ireland, shaping how innovative medicines reach and benefit patients. You'll bring bold scientific thinking, strong business acumen, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-moving environment — turning ambiguity into opportunity and strategy into measurable impact.
This is more than a medical leadership role. You will be a trusted strategic partner to the business, a champion for patients, and an inspiring leader who develops and empowers high-performing teams. If you are energised by the prospect of influencing the future of aT1D care across the UK and Ireland — and doing so within a global organisation committed to chasing the miracles of science — we'd love to hear from you.
Sanofi's General Medicines business is home to a diversified portfolio of iconic brands and essential medicines, trusted by millions of patients living with chronic conditions around the world. Far from standing still, General Medicines is at the forefront of pioneering new possibilities — harnessing the power of digital innovation and technology to transform how patients manage their health and how healthcare systems operate sustainably for the future. It's a business with scale, ambition, and genuine impact — and an exciting place to build a career.
Main responsibilities
- Medical Strategy & Scientific Leadership: Shape and deliver the medical strategy for the franchise, driving scientific excellence and innovative engagement approaches. Act as a credible scientific authority through regular external engagements and champion digital transformation in medical practices.
- Evidence Generation & Research: Lead evidence generation activities including Real World Evidence, publication planning, and clinical trial collaboration. Engage early with R&D to influence global development programmes and address evidence gaps.
- External Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with key healthcare professionals, patient advocacy organisations, payers, and national bodies. Represent Sanofi at congresses, advisory boards, and guideline committees, ensuring the patient voice is central to all medical strategies.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with commercial, regulatory, market access, and global medical teams to drive alignment and deliver shared goals, while maintaining clear boundaries between medical and promotional activities.
- People Leadership: Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing Medical Affairs team. Foster an inclusive, collaborative culture with clear career pathways, regular coaching, and a strong focus on talent development.
- Compliance & Ethical Standards: Uphold the highest ethical standards in line with ABPI & IPHA Codes of Practice. Champion a culture of compliance and independent medical decision-making across the franchise.
About you
- Education & Registration: UK registered healthcare professional (MBBS/MPharm/PhD/BDS/Nursing) preferred. ABPI signatory status. Minimum completion of Core Medical Training (GMC) preferred or other professional training relevant to diabetes, endocrinology or autoimmune conditions. Doctorate level education (MD/PhD/PharmD) preferred.
- Experience: Pharmaceutical industry experience in Medical Affairs leadership. Demonstrable experience in managing and developing teams. Proven track record in medical affairs activities including clinical trials, external engagement, and strategic planning. Experience in budget management and vendor oversight.
- Skills & Competencies: Strong business acumen with focus on digital innovation and transformation. Strategic thinking and decision-making in ambiguous situations. Excellent scientific credibility and communication skills. Proven ability to influence without authority and lead change initiatives. Deep understanding of drug development processes, clinical research, and regulatory guidelines. Excellence in stakeholder management across multiple channels and omnichannel approaches. Strong data analytics and insight generation capabilities. Project management and prioritisation skills with results orientation. Knowledge of NHS structure, ABPI Code, and healthcare policy environment. Change management expertise and ability to drive digital adoption.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to offering interviews to candidates who request consideration under the Scheme and meet the minimum requirements for this role. If you have a disability and require adjustments for the interview process, please email us at diversity.recruitmentUKIE@sanofi.com. We are dedicated to ensuring an inclusive and supportive experience for all applicants. Visas for those who do not already have the right to work in the UK will be considered on a case by case basis according to business needs and resources.
UK&IE Medical Head, T1D employer: Eacademy Sanofi
Contact Detail:
Eacademy Sanofi Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land UK&IE Medical Head, T1D
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend conferences, webinars, or local meet-ups related to autoimmune conditions and medical affairs. Building relationships can open doors and give you insights that job applications just can't.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for Type 1 Diabetes care shine through. Share your ideas on how to improve patient outcomes and engage in discussions about innovative strategies. This will make you memorable!
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your expertise and connect with key players in the field. Share articles, comment on relevant posts, and even write your own content about advancements in diabetes care. It’s a great way to position yourself as a thought leader.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It shows you're genuinely interested in joining Sanofi and gives you a better chance of being noticed. Plus, you can keep an eye on new opportunities as they come up.
We think you need these skills to ace UK&IE Medical Head, T1D
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Medical Head role. Highlight your experience in medical affairs, especially in autoimmune conditions, and how it aligns with our mission at Sanofi.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you've led teams and driven strategic initiatives in your previous roles. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
Emphasise Your Scientific Credibility: As a Medical Head, you'll need to be a credible scientific authority. Include any relevant qualifications, publications, or presentations that showcase your expertise in diabetes and medical strategy.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of aT1D care.
How to prepare for a job interview at Eacademy Sanofi
✨Know Your Medical Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into Sanofi's medical strategy for Autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes. Understand their current initiatives and how you can contribute to shaping them. This will show your genuine interest and readiness to take on the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading high-performing teams. Discuss how you've inspired and developed talent in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Medical Head position. Be ready to share specific outcomes from your leadership efforts.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about your past experiences in building relationships with healthcare professionals and patient advocacy groups. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach stakeholder engagement in this role, emphasising the importance of the patient voice in medical strategies.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Expect questions that assess your ability to navigate ambiguity and make strategic decisions. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you've turned challenges into opportunities, particularly in fast-paced environments. This will showcase your fit for a dynamic role like this one.