Summary
The Country Medical Affairs Head is the lead country medical representative, responsible for adopting and executing the near- and long-term medical strategy coming from Global/International, forging bold strategic partnership with the healthcare communities and governmental entities. Manage and develop the overall performance of the medical unit in country. Drive best-in-class launch... preparedness and launch execution (incl. ensuring precision medicine availability at launch and overcoming local data gaps for HA Submission - when applicable) As a core member of the South African IM Leadership Team this person is accountable for the creation of the functional medical strategy for the country and ensures its execution, by leading all clinical and medical aspects of in-country activities and all associated resourcing and performance aspects.
About the Role
Major accountabilities:
Strategy and Strategic advice:

Raises country medical and clinical interests into global and regional strategy and prelaunch planning, starting at DDP by providing timely and strategic feedback to GPTs. This shapes the development program earlier and ensures IDPs include integrated (Integrated Evidence Plans [IEPs]), diverse data available at launch to support own local reimbursement and clinical implementation.
In line with the evolving healthcare ecosystem, proactively and strategically builds and strengthens partnerships beyond the traditional healthcare professionals and organizations. Identifies opportunities for joint value creation deploying new engagement models of broader reach.
Oversees that all local studies are developed and timely executed based on country evidence gaps. Accountable to ensure adherence to all governance, compliance, quality, and safety measures in accordance with local standards in implementation. Ensures effective communication plans in place for external stakeholder education and advocacy.
Ensures Implementation Science plans in place early and holistically to systematically shape health policy and practice guidelines converging clinical innovations and treatments into better standards of care via better disease management. Depth of insight and understanding of local Healthcare ecosystem and contextual system challenges to ensure early reimbursement and patient adherence.
Establishes a clinical excellence and treat to target mindset across the healthcare system through medical education activities including preceptorships, clinical excellence collaborations (e.g. heart failure or breast cancer clinics) and continuous medical education-style events.
Role models ethical standards and contribute proactively to a credible image for Novartis in the country. Represent Novartis at key external governmental, scientific, clinical and medical events to educate, advocate and support innovation and evidence-based research.

Stakeholder Engagement

Engages with key patient associations, academic societies, patients, payers and reimbursement bodies as well as the relevant healthcare systems, to harness opportunities and share ownership in transforming the clinical practice with optimal access and better outcomes for real world patients.
Builds and facilitates close cross-functional equal partner collaboration with key internal stakeholders, co-creating and leading where necessary. Function as the key medical interface to Country President, Value & Access, TA Heads and BE&E Heads or similar position, GDD representatives, Public Affairs, and compliance teams as well as related Regional teams. In partnership with country Regulatory Affairs, develops and manages long-term relationships with local Regulatory agencies and relevant medical societies.
Reactively supports HCP requests for deep clinical and scientific discussion around our therapy areas and products at all stages of the product lifecycle.
Ensures BeSure approval for events/materials/initiatives used by the commercial, medical, access and TMO organization. Collaborates to upgrade capability of investigators, Ethics Committees etc.

Capability Building and Internal Alignment

Encourages earlier (starting at DDP) initiation of innovative integrated evidence generation strategies, novel research activities, and local collaborative and impactful partnership engagements. Supports utility of RWE innovative study designs and exploratory trials (where applicable) across TAs to accelerate patient access; oversight of Managed Access Programs (MAPs), IITs etc.
In close collaboration with Global Drug Development (GDD), cultivates strategic and effective co-creation and collaboration plans, for allocation and execution of clinical trials within the country, as necessary. Incorporates local portfolio prioritization to shape GDD trial strategies and resource allocation. (only applicable for key markets).
Encourages utility of more innovative digital technologies for more meaningful and impactful engagements and data generation and utilization.
Leads pre-launch and launch strategy and activities for new assets, achieving high levels of scientific engagement amongst key defined external stakeholders. Collaborates closely with cross-functional launch and brand team to include insights from advisory boards and other key medical engagement initiatives.
Run Medical Information services to the highest standards.
Lead and manage a team of field based Medical Scientific Liaisons
Maintains and drives the standards of medical and scientific excellence in the country through recruitment selection, deployment and capability upskilling of agile innovative and collaborative talent together with P&O, in accordance with Novartis Leadership Standards
Owns and optimizes medical resources and allocation: Advocates early resourcing (where and when appropriate), while ensuring cost adherence in spend of Medical Affairs trials, activities and resourcing. Ability to articulate and defend priorities and needs of medical with strong influencing skills. Recruits, hires and develops talent while maximizing potential for leadership.
Ensures that Target Patient Population Outcomes (TPOs) are updated and relevant, and that they are being tracked, resourced, and impacted at CPO level with appropriate regional and global support for all franchises
Drive the spirit of “ONE Team” across all functions (TA first) by supporting a team approach to focus on our patients, payers and customers as our top priorities.
To report any Adverse Event or technical quality complaint within 24 hours from the receipt to the DS&E safety or Complaint Coordinator in accordance with the valid local SOPs

Key performance indicators:

Recruitment, development, and retention of Medical Top Talents in the country as measured by effective OTR process and Employee Engagement Survey
Execution of Medical Affairs strategy as per agreed KPIs
Adherence to legal and regulatory compliance criteria as per relevant legislation and Novartis Policies; Code of Conduct as per policy.
Optimal alignment of execution with GDD and commercialization/Patient access needs of the CPO.
Improvements for patient journey as defined by KPIs
Continuous operational improvements to enhance quality and efficiency in all areas of responsibility.
Implementation of Medical capability building and innovative medical initiatives
Medical Affairs / Program budget execution vs. target.
Target patient population outcomes progress.

Minimum Requirements:
Education:

Medical Doctor (MD) preferred, PhD or PharmD may be considered with appropriate and extensive experience

Work Experience & Skills:

≥8 years of relevant pharmaceutical industry experience
≥4 years people management and development experience in a matrix environment
Relevant experience acquired at pharmaceutical companies, HTA, physician associations or health care consultancy companies or equivalent experience.
Working knowledge of pharmaceutical market and healthcare systems
Proven ability to network with all levels of external stakeholders and work in matrix environment distilling and prioritizing market needs and deliverables.
Strong leadership and influencing skills in a matrix; articulate vision for MA in the Country; build externally focused culture.
Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
Strong solution-orientation and business acumen
Operate with mutual respect and integrity, collaboration and embrace diversity
Deep understanding of drug development and approval processes, including experience designing and/or executing clinical studies.
Thought leader in all medical core and game changing competencies.
Scientific/medical research experience with demonstrated record of scientific/medical publication desirable.
Excellent understanding of local, regional, and country regulatory standards and processes, as well as relevant (country-specific) ethical and legal guidelines. International/global experience desirable
Significant experience of risk management more

Major Accountabilities

Participate in the Global Program team and collaborates with the Global Business Executive Director (GBED) to create and execute an effective and innovative program strategy.
Contribute to the development of the Malaria program strategy across all customer groups and channels and collaborate with other functions to ensure business strategy execution.
Support strategic... portfolio activities and work with the global/regional and cluster teams to support commercial assessments, , forecasting, product in-licensing and lifecycle management.
Drive and oversee the launch planning and execution of upcoming key launches by ensuring seamless cross-functional and (as applicable) cross-divisional collaboration.
Credible in external environment while engaging with external partners and stakeholders Leads the insight gathering from external environment, key stakeholders and key countries and drives their consolidation; integrating learnings from competitive intelligence into strategies leads the design of market research studies using primary/secondary data and competitive intelligence and prelaunch activities.
Partner cross functionally with Market Access and Pricing, Finance, Account Management, Insights and Analytics and other teams, to develop and execute synergistic strategies to leverage latest learning and insights.
Anticipate impact of environmental factors on key customer segments (legislative, economic, clinical, advocacy) to develop proactive tools and resources addressing customer needs.
Coordinate and integrate cross-functional teams (including regional team) to effectively execute the aligned and agreed global strategy.
Collaborate and support Regional and local team execution and support launch excellence framework implementation.
Ensure adherence and compliance to all Novartis policies and procedures.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

We are committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Role Requirements

EDUCATION

MSc / MBA, or equivalent degree in Science and / or Business.
Computer literate; MS office, excel and PowerPoint

LANGUAGES

Fluency in English as a business language. Other languages such as French will be a plus.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum 10+ years of marketing-related analytic experience is required, experience in data science.
Previous Therapeutic Area experience or pharmaceutical industry experience is strongly desirable.
Commercial / Marketing / pricing /market access experience.
Proven ability to lead in a matrix organization and drive collaboration and accountability within x-functional teams.
Self-starter with agility to define strategy, execute end to end with limited support and in a in a lean environment with limited resources.
Mental agility and sound strategic and analytical thinking.
Must possess excellent communication and presentation skills with the proven record of effective translation of complex analysis to business solutions, strong project management experience, and the ability to synthesize & simplify input from multiple stakeholders in order to provide recommendations that can impact business.
Must excel in problem-solving, be curious, possess the will to win, and must demonstrate innovative thinking in a matrix organization.
Solid Knowledge of global health systems, landscape and markets in Low-Middle Income countries.
Establish strong business partnerships with external partners, local internal affiliates colleagues in LICs & LMICs as well as global health organizations.
Travel as required.
While entrepreneurial, ability to maintain the highest degree of integrity, represent the company’s high ethics, moral behavior, and professionalism.
The highest ethics and moral standards; unquestioned integrity needed for the complexity of this role. more

Job Description



Will lead, manage and develop the overall performance of the Malaria's current and future product portfolio, with oversight of the execution of pre-launch and launch plans across all line functions (Access, Commercial/Medical). The Business Manager Malaria will be responsible during scale-up for the planning, co-ordination, and communication of all local activities related... to the Malaria Global Health Program operational country execution.



Will collaborate with cluster, regional and global teams to drive brand performance and develop operational strategy for the organization, and guide and support the implementation of innovative commercial models. Will develop a high-performing sales team and build sustainable and enduring business relationships with key customers/ stakeholders to ensure the delivery of Program sales and profits within agreed budgets. Will also be responsible for overseeing implementation of patient access and policy strategies across the territories to ensure the successful launch and growth of the Malaria pipeline portfolio, in alignment with global and regional strategies.



Major Accountabilities

Accountable for delivering the Malaria brand performance with respect to sales, market share, and profitability to meet or exceed budget targets.
Translate Regional Malaria strategy, aligned with the Global strategy, content and solution into localized tactical plans and measures; develop and execute on tactical brand/launch plan at the local level.
Coordinate and integrate cross-functional teams (Sales, Marketing, Medical, Tender & KAM, Value & Access) to effectively execute on prioritized tactics.
Contribute to the development of the Malaria program strategy in collaboration with the Global Malaria Team, across all customer groups and channels, ensures alignment of Development, Regulatory, Medical, Patient Access, Digital and Patient Relations.
Drive the growth of the Malaria business by establishing growth plans for existing products, effectively manage their life cycle, successfully launch line extensions and new products; establish and manage effective strategic partnerships.
Define, drive and oversee the launch planning and execution of upcoming key launches by ensuring seamless cross-functional and (as applicable) cross-divisional collaboration.
Drive or support the implementation of new commercial models in close collaboration with cross functional teams to ensure triple win go-to-market strategies for the Malaria business at the local level.
Partner with other Business Managers or countries and support in the development of an agile, customer-led digital and customer solutions which meets the evolving needs of the business, our customers and patients.
Support strategic portfolio development and commercial activities for the business. Work with the global/regional and cluster teams to co-create the overall malaria strategy, to support commercial assessments, value & access strategy, new product development, forecasting, product in-licensing and lifecycle management.
Develop and strengthen strategic relationships with customers (e.g., governments, physicians, key accounts, specialty pharmacies, KOLs and payors) to support medical and commercial activities in alignment with compliance guidelines.
Leads the insight gathering from Key Countries and drives their consolidation; patient journey, leads the design of market research studies using primary/secondary data and competitive intelligence and prelaunch activities.
Maximize sales force performance and return on investment. Enhance sales force capabilities and continue to develop innovative commercial strategies to ensure success in an evolving healthcare environment.
Responsible for the budget and financial performance of the Malaria business, ensure alignment to all Ethics, Risk & Compliance policies and manage key processes.
Successfully lead the Malaria team, build high performing culture, foster innovation, and manage all people-management related processes (recruiting, performance management, coaching). Identify and build key capabilities, talent pipeline and ensure proper development of assigned people.
Engage the External Service Providers for delivering the Malaria brand performance with respect to sales, market share, and profitability to meet or exceed budget targets.
Drive the spirit of “ONE Team” across all functions (Malaria first) by supporting a team approach to focus on our patients, payers and customers as our top priorities.

Minimum Requirements



Education

University degree (science, business, policy)
MBA or Doctoral degree (MD/Pharm. D/PhD) preferred

Languages

English fluent spoken & written. Local language or French proficiency if required

Experience

10+ years of relevant experience working with high-performing regional and local sales, marketing, medical and or access teams in healthcare/life sciences industry.
Track record of highly successful delivery and positive performance results.
Proven ability to drive successful launches.
Reliable self-starter, proactive, initiator, change agent.
Demonstrable leadership skills and experience engaging with and introducing innovation into HCS.
In-depth knowledge of customer/marketplace, key dynamics and current knowledge of key competitors and their likely strategies within the TA.
He/she must be comfortable working as the first employee in this new organization; in other words, a hands-on, roll up the sleeves approach will be essential.
Able to analyze financial data as well as industry data related to sales, market share, price/volume, call activity, market research, etc. Able to credibly articulate data related to market trends, performance, and strategies to achieve goals to various internal and external audiences.
While entrepreneurial, ability to maintain the highest degree of integrity, represent the company’s high ethics, moral behavior, and professionalism.
The highest ethics and moral standards; unquestioned integrity needed for the complexity of this role.
Proven ability to lead in a matrix organization, drive collaboration and accountability within x-functional teams across global, regional and local level.
Travel as required. more