Director of Medical Operations in London
Director of Medical Operations

Director of Medical Operations in London

London Full-Time 54000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead medical operations and drive innovation in patient care across UK & Ireland.
  • Company: Join a leading pharmaceutical company committed to medical excellence and patient impact.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare while building a high-performing team and influencing key stakeholders.
  • Qualifications: Medical or pharmacy degree with significant experience in Medical Affairs and leadership.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace fostering collaboration and innovation.

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.

Are you ready to step into a high-impact leadership role at the heart of UK & Ireland Medical Affairs, where you’ll shape strategy, elevate standards and influence the future of patient care. This is a rare opportunity to own end-to-end medical excellence – from Medical Information, RWE and clinical operations to governance, ABPI signatory strategy and omnichannel innovation. You’ll work side by side with senior country leadership, act as a trusted ambassador to key external stakeholders, and build a high-performing team that delivers outstanding science, compliance and business impact.

Responsibilities

  • Lead operational excellence across UK & Ireland (UKI) Medical Affairs, partnering with the Country Medical Director and Medical Leadership Team to align with cross-functional and regional business priorities and UK/Ireland regulatory frameworks.
  • Own Medical Information and MAH/DPOC responsibilities, leading an industry-leading medical information function that consistently meets and exceeds compliance obligations.
  • Drive Real World Evidence and clinical operations (LDG and MISP), delivering integrated evidence plans, investigator initiated studies and innovative use of real-world healthcare data on time and on budget.
  • Lead medical modernisation and innovation (including omnichannel medical strategy), scaling new ways of working across UKI Medical Affairs with regional and cross-functional partners.
  • Oversee governance, training, process assurance and audit readiness, ensuring 100% compliance with ABPI, regulatory requirements and internal quality standards.
  • Build and maintain a robust ABPI signatory model, ensuring high-quality, compliant materials and activities and managing signatory training, validation and registration with PMCPA and MHRA.
  • Shape and manage Medical Affairs budgets with disciplined planning, delivery and tracking, meeting financial forecasts within agreed variance.
  • Provide strategic medical leadership for pipeline and new products, aligning therapy area, cross-functional and UKI leadership teams to inform launch and lifecycle strategies.
  • Act as a key external ambassador, ensuring UK decision-makers have access to high-quality, UK-relevant scientific and clinical data, and engaging with life sciences, academia, professional bodies and government.
  • Attract, develop and inspire talent, champion cross-functional collaboration, role-model integrity and ethical governance, and deputise for UK medical leadership when required.

Qualifications

  • Medical or pharmacy degree or PhD.
  • Significant Medical Affairs industry experience (ideally >5 years) with a robust understanding and working knowledge of medical affairs excellence and operations and a clear demonstration of achievements, in the areas of Medical Information, Integrated Evidence Planning, Scientific Services and Medical Innovation and Omnichannel Strategy.
  • Strong leadership experience in medical affairs with previous line management and an expertise in drive and build high performing teams, with a focus on developing and inspiring talent.
  • A demonstration of understanding the identification, application and adoption of technologies and processes in the medical affairs and wider pharmaceutical and/or healthcare delivery environments.
  • Understanding of the wider NHS environment and key opportunities for pharma and the NHS to partner effectively within the scope of GCP, regulations and the ABPI Code of Practice – with high level of knowledge of ABPI Code of Practice and a AQP or HCP final signatory.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively for the common good. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Required and Preferred Skills

Required Skills: Change Management, Execution Excellence, Leadership Alignment, Management Process, Medical Affairs, Medical Care, Medical Communications, Professional Networking, Results-Oriented, Scientific Exchange, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Planning, Strategic Thinking

Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE

Director of Medical Operations in London employer: Merck

Join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises innovation and excellence in patient care, where as the Director of Medical Operations, you will lead a dynamic team in a collaborative and inclusive environment. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values diverse perspectives, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of medical affairs while enjoying competitive benefits and a supportive work-life balance in the vibrant UK & Ireland region.
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Contact Detail:

Merck Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Medical Operations in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the medical affairs field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their recent projects and how they align with your skills. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities of the Director of Medical Operations role.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform. So, get your application in and let’s make some waves together!

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Medical Operations in London

Leadership
Medical Affairs
Change Management
Execution Excellence
Strategic Planning
Stakeholder Engagement
Medical Communications
Results-Oriented
Scientific Exchange
Professional Networking
Integrated Evidence Planning
Omnichannel Strategy
Governance
Budget Management
Team Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director of Medical Operations role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in medical affairs to catch our eye!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of the NHS environment and ABPI Code of Practice.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We’re looking for someone who can inspire and develop talent. In your application, share examples of how you've built high-performing teams and driven change in previous roles. This will help us see your potential as a leader!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the quickest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!

How to prepare for a job interview at Merck

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you have a solid understanding of medical affairs, especially in the areas mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of ABPI regulations and real-world evidence strategies. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Director of Medical Operations, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've built high-performing teams or led successful projects in the past. Highlight your experience in change management and how you've inspired talent in previous roles.

✨Engage with Real-World Scenarios

Be ready to discuss real-world scenarios related to medical information and clinical operations. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. This will help interviewers see your problem-solving skills and your ability to drive operational excellence.

✨Connect with Their Vision

Research the company’s mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. Show enthusiasm for their commitment to innovation and collaboration in the healthcare space. This will demonstrate that you're not just looking for a job, but that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.

Director of Medical Operations in London
Merck
Location: London
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  • Director of Medical Operations in London

    London
    Full-Time
    54000 - 84000 £ / year (est.)
  • M

    Merck

    10000+
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