Job Description

South Africa Medical Affairs HeadAbout Astellas:At Astellas we can offer an inspiring place to work and a chance to make your mark in doing good for others.Our expertise, science and technology make us a pharma company. Our open and progressive culture is what makes us Astellas. It's a culture of doing good for others and contributing to a sustainable society.Delivering meaningful differences for patients is our driving force. We all have a significant opportunity to make that difference, working locally in the areas we know best, whilst drawing inspiration from the different insights and expertise we have access to globally and from our innovative, external partners.Our global vision for Patient Centricity is to support the development of innovative health solutions through a deep understanding of the patient experience. At Astellas, Patient Centricity isn't a buzzword - it's a guiding principle for action. We believe all staff have a role to play in creating a patient-centric culture and integrating an awareness of the patient into our everyday working practices, regardless of our role, team or division.Our ethos is underpinned by the Astellas Way, comprising five core values: patient focus; ownership; results; openness and integrity.We are proud to offer an inclusive and respectful working environment that fosters collaboration and ownership.Our aspiration is to bring the best brains together, to provide them with world-leading tools and resources and a unique structure that fosters real agility and entrepreneurial spirit.About This Job:As a Head of Medical Affairs you will be responsible for providing strategic Medical Affairs Leadership in overseeing all MA activities/deliverables across South Africa. You will ensure all MA deliverables address local business needs to bring value to patients and advance the medical/scientific understanding of Astellas products to help ensure safe and appropriate use across their lifecycle.Hybrid working:At Astellas we recognise that our employees enjoy having balance between their professional and home lives. We are proud of our hybrid approach which empowers you to have flexibility on whether to work from home or in the office.Key Activities:

• Drive the overall direction of Medical Affairs activities and deliverables, ensuring scientific rigor, clinical relevance, financial feasibility, and alignment with core medical plans and local business needs.
• Serves as a recognized Medical Affairs authority by maintaining and communicating up-to-date knowledge of industry standards and practices, keeps abreast and proactively responds to market trends and/or shifts in the external medical affairs environment to predict and maximize positive impact to Astellas
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, key opinion leaders, and academic institutions, fostering a collaborative and matrix-based leadership style.
• Utilizes a proactive approach to attracting, hiring, developing and retaining a high-performing MA department.
• Proactively identifies and develops necessary processes and continuous framework enhancements to ensure consistent delivery of strategic scientific/medical leadership.

Essential Knowledge & Experience:

• Proven experience in the areas of Medical Affairs and/or Medical Affairs & Development with a global pharmaceutical business.
• Strong knowledge of local Regulatory/Payer/HTA bodies, ICH GCP guidelines, Industry regulations, and quality standards.
• Leadership skills, including global and/or regional and/or local matrix leadership.
• Financial and budgetary expertise.
• Strong scientific analytical and problem solving skills, strategic capabilities, project management, planning and organization skills with excellent communication, writing and presentation skills.

Preferred Knowledge & Experience:

• Candidate having experience in Oncology / Speciality therapeutic area is desirable

Educations/Qualifications:

• MD, Science related PhD, or PharmD or equivalent.

Additional information:

• This is a permanent, full time position
• The position is based in Johannesburg, South Africa
• Candidates should be based in South Africa
• This position follows our hybrid working model. Role requires a blend of home and a minimum of 3 days in our Johannesburg office. Flexibility may be required in line with business needs. Candidates must be located within a commutable distance of the office.

What We Offer:

• A challenging and diversified job in an international setting.
• Opportunity and support for continuous development.
• Inspiring work climate.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Astellas Pharma