At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead medical strategy for Type 1 Diabetes and drive innovative healthcare solutions.
- Company: Join Sanofi, a global leader in healthcare with a commitment to scientific progress.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with a focus on talent development and career pathways.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient care and shape the future of diabetes treatment.
- Qualifications: Healthcare professional with leadership experience in medical affairs.
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
About the job
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.
At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, ability or gender identity.
UK&IE Medical Head, T1D employer: Sanofi
Sanofi is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As the UK&IE Medical Head for Autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes, you will be at the forefront of medical innovation, with opportunities to lead high-performing teams and shape impactful strategies in a supportive environment. Located in Reading, the hybrid working model allows for flexibility while engaging with key stakeholders, making it an exciting place to advance your career in a meaningful way.
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 meetups related to diabetes and medical affairs. Building relationships can open doors and give you insider info on job opportunities.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching Sanofi's recent projects and initiatives in autoimmune T1D. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Follow Up
After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you email! It’s a simple way to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
✨Utilise Our Website
Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job. We often have exclusive listings and resources that can help you stand out from the crowd!
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 diabetes or autoimmune conditions, and show how your skills align with our mission at Sanofi.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a potential leader, we want to see how you've inspired and developed teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration and driven results in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while showcasing your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. This ensures that your application is reviewed promptly and gives you access to all the latest updates about the role and our company.
How to prepare for a job interview at 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 and delivering that strategy. This will show your genuine interest and readiness to take on the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams, as this is crucial for the Medical Head position. Use specific instances where your leadership made a measurable impact.
✨Engage with Evidence Generation
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in evidence generation and Real World Evidence related to diabetes. Be ready to discuss how you would lead these activities and collaborate with R&D to address evidence gaps, showcasing your strategic thinking.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you would approach building relationships with key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and patient advocacy organisations. Prepare to discuss your strategies for effective external engagement and how you would ensure the patient voice is central to medical strategies.
