Medical Director UK – Ireland

Purpose of the Function

The Country Medical Affairs Director will lead, continuously develop, and be accountable for the country Medical Affairs function, ensuring Medical Affairs represents argenx’s values as a science-driven, patient-centric organization developing innovative medicines for patients and always upholding the highest ethical standards.

Additionally the Country Medial Director will be an active member of the country leadership team, champion local business needs within argenx, and serve as the primary medical representative with governmental agencies, professional associations, patient associations and the broader healthcare community.

Reporting line

• Direct to Country Manager; functional reporting to EU Medical Affairs

Roles and responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the medical affairs field and office team, ensuring exceptional medical expertise, team empowerment and excellence in execution. Provide performance management, coaching and development opportunities

• Lead development and execution of the country Medical Affairs plan, aligned to EMEA medical affairs plan and cross-functional country plans

• Build appropriate resources and capabilities to execute the Medical Affairs plan, and to fulfil Medical Affairs role in critical areas, including provision of timely medical information, pharmacovigilance reporting, grant request reviews and product complaints

• Establish a culture of collaboration and shared goals through engagement with other functional areas at country and regional level, including Commercial, Market Access, Clinical Development, Finance, Compliance and Legal.

• Build capabilities, plans and systematic tracking of impactful medical affairs activities, including

  • Timely and informative scientific/medical exchanges with external stakeholders that accurately reflect scientific data and research objectives

  • Develop deep insights of the patient journey, treatment landscape, unmet medical needs and data gaps

  • Identify and develop productive collaborations with healthcare professionals, other important stakeholders and professional organizations

  • Gather actionable insights and disseminate throughout the organization

  • Deliver high quality scientific/medical education in all appropriate settings

  • Identify potential high-impact data generation and publication opportunities, in line with argenx identified areas of interest

  • Support argenx clinical development and operations teams to execute argenx studies

  • Manage requests for pre-approval access to argenx products

  • Ensure high quality training and ongoing education for medical affairs team, commercial staff and other functions

• Maintain a high level of knowledge of and appropriately implement current local pharmaceutical regulation, ensure implementation of argenx policies and procedures, and enhance cross-functional understanding of compliance requirements

• Ensure there is an effective promotional material review & approval process, and act as final medical signatory (may be delegated) for all promotional and scientific materials

• Ensure all relevant knowledge, including activities and interaction with important contacts is systematically captured and disseminated within argenx as appropriate.

Skills and competencies

• Inspiring and strategic leader, who is able to deliver both through their team and as an individual contributor

• Effective enterprise leader who influences cross-functionally and above country to accomplish local objectives

• Able to identify and build business cases for required capabilities and resources

• Embraces innovation, cross-functional collaboration and shared goals

• Ability to build productive collaborations with medical experts and networks

• Excellent communication skills: verbal, written and when giving presentations

• Ability to understand complex disease areas and healthcare systems

• Proven track record of delivering results that meet or exceed targeted objectives

• Fluency in English, in addition to the local language(s), both oral and written.

Education, experience and qualifications

• Medical or high-level scientific degree (MD, PhD)

• 8+ years experience in biopharmaceutical industry

• Experience leading and developing high-performing individuals and Medical Affairs teams

• Experience building out Medical Affairs capabilities to meet country requirements

• Experience working in complex disease areas and across therapeutic areas/products

• Experience working with and influencing European/global functions and leadership

• Clinical experience in neurology, immunology, and/or rare diseases is an advantage

• Deep knowledge of relevant regulations and practices

• Valid driver’s license

• Ability for frequent travel as required