Disease Area Medical Lead – Ophthalmology
Biopharma Company | United Kingdom
Reporting to: UK Medical Affairs Leadership
Location: United Kingdom
Summary
A leading global biopharmaceutical company focused on retinal disease is seeking a Disease Area Medical Lead to head its strategic and operational medical affairs efforts within Ophthalmology. This is a high-impact, leadership position responsible for shaping medical strategy, ensuring compliance across disease areas, and leading a team of medical affairs professionals. The role requires strong cross-functional collaboration and the ability to engage meaningfully with both internal and external stakeholders to drive scientific excellence and deliver improved outcomes for patients living with ophthalmic diseases.
Responsibilities
Medical Affairs Leadership
* Lead a team of medical affairs professionals, fostering a high-performing and inclusive culture.
* Allocate resources strategically to optimize output and impact across the ophthalmology portfolio.
* Conduct regular performance evaluations and support career development.
Strategic and Scientific Direction
* Collaborate cross-functionally to define and drive the UK medical strategy for ophthalmology.
* Provide strategic guidance across medical, regulatory, and commercial interfaces.
* Maintain a deep understanding of disease biology, emerging science, treatment paradigms, and market trends.
Governance & Compliance
* Ensure medical activities are executed to the highest ethical, regulatory, and scientific standards.
* Champion a culture of compliance across the medical affairs function.
* Act as a medical signatory (or willingness to train for this designation).
External Engagement & Thought Partnership
* Serve as a key senior representative in external medical discussions, including with therapy area experts and healthcare professionals.
* Integrate real-world insights into strategic plans and tactical execution.
* Represent the organisation in scientific forums, roundtables, and strategic meetings as appropriate.
Innovation & Capability Building
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives to elevate medical affairs performance.
* Promote data-driven approaches and innovative engagement models.
* Contribute to building future-ready capabilities in medical affairs.
Requirements
* MD, PharmD, PhD, or equivalent scientific degree required.
* Significant medical affairs experience within the pharmaceutical industry.
* Proven leadership experience, including direct or matrix management of teams.
* Strong understanding of UK and global medical governance and compliance standards.
* Ability to translate complex science into clear, actionable strategies.
* Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Prior experience in ophthalmology strongly preferred.
Compensation & Benefits to be discussed on the call.
Ideal This position is ideal for a candidate who demonstrates the following qualities:
* Strategic Leadership: Experienced in leading medical affairs strategy with a passion for innovation and excellence.
* Therapeutic Expertise: Brings depth in ophthalmology or adjacent therapeutic areas and a strong scientific acumen.
* Collaborative Mindset: Builds trust across functions and with external experts; skilled at influencing across the organisation.
* Compliance Champion: Upholds the highest standards of medical ethics, integrity, and quality.
* Growth-Oriented: Committed to team development, continuous improvement, and evolving medical affairs for the future.
Please contact me on the below if you have experience and are interested in the opportunity:
+1 332 219 0888 or +44 2075510728
ncrowley@i-pharmconsulting.com