Medical Affairs Director Switzerland

Position Title

Medical Director – Medical Affairs Switzerland

Purpose

The Medical Director – Medical Affairs Switzerland provides medical and scientific leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for Medical Affairs activities within the Swiss affiliate. The role is responsible for leading and developing the medical team, driving innovation, ensuring scientific excellence, regulatory compliance, and strong cross‑functional collaboration to support pre‑ and post‑launch activities across the portfolio.

In addition to people leadership and operational responsibilities, the Medical Director drives medical strategy execution, oversees clinical and non‑interventional research activities where applicable, and ensures alignment with global Medical Affairs, Development, and brand strategies.

Compliance and Ethics

The Medical Director ensures that all Medical Affairs activities are conducted in full compliance with applicable local and international regulations, laws, guidelines (e.g. ICH, GCP), company standards, policies, and ethical principles. The role acts as a role model for scientific integrity and ethical behavior within the affiliate.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Leadership, Talent Development and Performance Management

• Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance management for direct reports within the Swiss Medical Affairs organization.
• Develop and maintain clear performance objectives, development plans, and competency documentation for team members.
• Conduct regular one‑on‑one meetings to review objectives, development needs, and career aspirations.
• Ensure optimal resource planning, workload allocation, and long‑term retention of medical talent.
• Contribute actively to succession planning and talent development initiatives in collaboration with HR and global Medical leadership.
• Support recruitment and onboarding of qualified Medical Affairs professionals.

2. Medical Strategy and Clinical Oversight

• Lead the development and execution of local medical strategies aligned with brand, affiliate, and global Medical Affairs objectives.
• Provide affiliate medical input into clinical development plans and support the implementation of Phase 3b/4 and other medically driven studies where applicable.
• Ensure coherence between local medical activities and global development and Medical Affairs strategies.
• Monitor progress against agreed medical and clinical deliverables and initiate corrective actions when required.
• Oversee medical governance for protocols, amendments, informed consent documents, grants, and contracts at affiliate level.

3. Scientific Expertise and Data Oversight

• Maintain strong scientific and therapeutic area expertise and stay current with emerging medical and scientific developments.
• Critically evaluate clinical data, medical literature, and competitive landscapes relevant to the portfolio.
• Review and approve medical information materials, scientific publications, abstracts, presentations, and symposia content.
• Ensure timely and accurate dissemination of scientific and clinical data in line with company standards and regulations.

4. External Engagement and Medical Excellence

• Provide scientific leadership in interactions with healthcare professionals, scientific experts, and external stakeholders.
• Oversee advisory boards, scientific meetings, congress activities, and medical education initiatives.
• Ensure the medical team provides high‑quality, compliant scientific support to commercial and cross‑functional teams.
• Act as a patient‑focused medical expert and contribute to defining the patient journey and key medical decision points.

5. Cross‑Functional and Business Collaboration

• Partner closely with Commercial, Market Access, Regulatory, Clinical Operations, and other functions to support product lifecycle activities.
• Provide medical input into local business planning and strategic initiatives.
• Contribute as a core member of the affiliate leadership and management team.
• Act as the primary medical liaison between the Swiss affiliate and global Medical Affairs and Development teams.

6. Governance and Administrative Responsibilities

• Review and approve key medical and scientific documents requiring senior medical sign‑off.
• Ensure effective budget oversight and responsible management of medical operational expenses.
• Support continuous process improvement and implementation of best practices within Medical Affairs.
• Represent the Swiss affiliate in internal governance committees and external scientific or industry forums as appropriate.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• Medical Doctor (MD) or equivalent, with completed medical training relevant to Switzerland.
• Board certification or eligibility in a relevant specialty is preferred.
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in clinical research and/or Medical Affairs.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing medical or scientific professionals.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
• Fluent in English (German and/or French preferred).
• Willingness to travel as required.

Additional Information

This job description reflects core responsibilities but is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs and organizational changes.