At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead medical operations and drive innovation in patient care across the UK and Ireland.
- Company: Join a leading pharmaceutical company committed to excellence and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare while building a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Medical or pharmacy degree with significant experience in Medical Affairs.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on collaboration and ethical governance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ 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.
What you will do:- 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.
- 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 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
Director of Medical Operations employer: MSD Malaysia
Contact Detail:
MSD Malaysia Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Medical Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the medical field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Director of Medical Operations role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in areas like medical information and omnichannel strategy. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨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 you've driven operational excellence in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making an impact in UK & Ireland Medical Affairs.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Medical Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Medical Operations role. Highlight your relevant experience in medical affairs and leadership, and don’t forget to showcase any achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your expertise in medical operations and your passion for patient care.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a leadership position, make sure to emphasise your experience in building and managing high-performing teams. Share examples of how you've inspired talent and driven operational excellence in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the quickest way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar!
How to prepare for a job interview at MSD Malaysia
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of medical affairs and the specific responsibilities of the Director of Medical Operations role. Brush up on the ABPI Code of Practice and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the job requirements.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in building high-performing teams. Think about times when you’ve inspired talent or driven change in a medical affairs setting, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the UK healthcare landscape and how pharma can effectively partner with the NHS. Be prepared to discuss strategic opportunities and challenges in this area, demonstrating your insight into the industry.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company. Consider asking about their approach to innovation in medical affairs or how they measure success in this position.