Global Medical Affairs Director

Global Medical Affairs Director

Position at Novartis.

Summary The Global Medical Affairs team serves as the organization’s medical voice throughout the asset lifecycle and leads strategy for the therapeutic area. They develop and oversee the Integrated Evidence Plan (IEP), ensuring both US and international medical perspectives are considered during development. The Global Medical Director is responsible for creating and executing global medical strategies for early‑stage programs, focusing on innovative evidence solutions such as interventional studies, non‑interventional studies (NIS), real‑world evidence (RWE) research, and implementation science projects. Drawing on their drug development and oncology background—ideally with experience in radiopharmaceuticals—they lead complex Integrated Evidence Packages, manage the most complex assets, and provide advanced pharmacovigilance expertise.

About The Role

• Lead development and execution of medical affairs strategy for Novartis programs, including transformative tactics such as research/population health, innovative partnerships, and integrated evidence plans.
• Co‑develop plans for evidence generation, MSL/Field Medical Affairs strategy, medical education programs, scientific publication planning, and Medical Expert network development.
• Co‑own the development and implementation of innovative education and scientific communication plans for external stakeholders.
• Plan and monitor the budget to ensure timely and cost‑effective development & execution of medical activities.
• Prepare SRC submissions for company‑sponsored studies and research collaborations.
• Partner with Development, Strategy & Growth (S&G), US and International cross‑functions to shape portfolio early and diversify evidence to achieve broad access at launch and enhance impact on clinical practice.
• Represent GMA around prioritized portfolio with internal and external audiences, collaborating with cross‑functional partners including investment, medical and regulatory communities, and industry collaborators/partners.
• Provide direction and input into successful reimbursement and market‑access strategies.
• Provide proactive input to the development of potential new therapeutic indications, enriching registration programs and exploring new therapeutic opportunities.
• Ensure GMA activities are designed and executed in compliance with company policy guidelines and the highest medical quality standards.

Minimum Requirements

• MD (preferred) or PhD/PharmD in Health Sciences; specialist degree or qualification related to discipline is an advantage.
• 10+ years in Pharmaceutical Industry experience in Medical Affairs and/or Clinical Development.
• Critical thinker who can navigate uncertainty without major supervision.
• Fluent oral and written English; other relevant languages are an advantage.
• Strategic mindset with ability to establish credibility and influence diverse stakeholders in a matrix organization to drive change.
• Ability to collaborate across functions and regions/countries: serve–partner–co‑create.
• Able to navigate in an environment of shared outcomes and cross‑business accountabilities.
• Deep understanding of health‑care systems and key external stakeholders.
• Strong track record of delivery focus for time and quality in medical affairs projects.
• Successful development and implementation of innovative programs and processes.
• Understanding of unmet medical needs, generating the right evidence, and using innovative multichannel communication formats for effective dissemination.
• Agile mindset and ability to lead in an agile organization across disease areas.
• Firm working knowledge of GCP, scientific and clinical methodology, protocol design, management and regulatory requirements for clinical studies.

Why Novartis

Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you—collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other, combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

Benefits and Rewards

Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally:

Location: Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Seniority level: Director

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Health Care Provider

Industries: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing