Role Overview for EVP, Head of Global Medical Affairs with a Global Pharma Company – Philadelphia, PA
JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier, research-driven global pharmaceutical company in their search for an exceptional Executive Vice President (EVP), Head of Global Medical Affairs. This is a paramount leadership position based in the greater Philadelphia, PA area, reporting directly to the Chief Medical Officer. The successful candidate will be a visionary leader responsible for defining and executing the global medical affairs strategy across the company’s diverse and innovative portfolio. This role is fundamental to the organization’s mission of translating groundbreaking science into life-changing medicines for patients worldwide.
As the EVP, Head of Global Medical Affairs, you will serve as the senior-most medical voice for the company’s products, both internally and externally. You will be tasked with building and leading a world-class, global organization responsible for evidence generation, medical communication, stakeholder engagement, and lifecycle management. This position demands a unique blend of deep scientific acumen, strategic business insight, and inspirational leadership. You will be the architect of a cohesive global medical strategy that aligns with research and development, commercial, and market access objectives, ensuring that all activities are conducted with the highest level of scientific integrity and ethical standards. This is a transformative opportunity to shape the medical landscape, foster a culture of excellence, and make a tangible impact on global health outcomes by ensuring that healthcare professionals have the necessary information to make the best treatment decisions for their patients.
Key Responsibilities of EVP, Head of Global Medical Affairs with a Global Pharma Company – Philadelphia, PA
Global Medical Strategy & Vision
Develop, articulate, and implement a comprehensive global medical affairs vision and long-range strategy that supports the entire product portfolio. Ensure strategic alignment with the overall corporate objectives, R&D pipeline, and commercial goals. Proactively identify and address medical and scientific gaps to optimize product value and patient access.
Executive Leadership & Team Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a large, geographically dispersed team of medical affairs professionals. Foster a dynamic, collaborative, and high-performing culture rooted in scientific excellence, innovation, and unwavering ethical conduct. Attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent to build a robust leadership pipeline within the medical affairs function.
Evidence Generation & Data Dissemination
Oversee the global strategy for post-approval evidence generation, including Phase IV clinical trials, investigator-initiated studies (IIS), and real-world evidence (RWE) programs. Ensure the timely and effective dissemination of clinical data through high-impact publications, congress presentations, and other scientific communications to inform the medical community.
Stakeholder & KOL Engagement
Cultivate and maintain robust, trust-based relationships with global key opinion leaders (KOLs), medical societies, patient advocacy groups, and academic institutions. Act as the primary senior medical representative of the company, effectively communicating the value of our science and products to the external community.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Governance
Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, providing critical medical insights to guide corporate strategy. Collaborate seamlessly with counterparts in R&D, Commercial, Regulatory Affairs, Market Access, and Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) to ensure a unified and patient-centric approach to product development and commercialization. Chair relevant governance committees to ensure strategic alignment and compliant execution of medical activities.
Compliance & Ethical Standards
Uphold the highest standards of compliance and ethical integrity across all global medical affairs activities. Ensure full adherence to international and local regulations, industry codes of practice, and company policies, including standards for Good Clinical Practice (GCP). Champion a culture where compliance is a core value.
Lifecycle Management
Provide expert medical and scientific input throughout the entire product lifecycle, from late-stage clinical development and pre-launch planning to post-launch optimization and management of mature brands. Develop and execute integrated medical plans that evolve with the product’s lifecycle and the changing healthcare environment.
Medical Information & Education
Oversee the global function responsible for providing accurate, balanced, and timely medical information to healthcare professionals. Steer the strategy for global medical education initiatives, ensuring they meet the highest scientific and educational standards to support the appropriate use of company products.
Financial & Resource Management
Assume full accountability for the global medical affairs budget. Drive operational excellence through effective resource allocation, financial planning, and performance metric tracking to maximize the impact and efficiency of the organization.
Requirements for the EVP, Head of Global Medical Affairs with a Global Pharma Company – Philadelphia, PA
Educational Background
An MD is strongly required. A PhD or PharmD in a relevant life sciences field, combined with extensive and directly relevant experience, may be considered. Board certification in a medical specialty is highly desirable.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership capacity within Medical Affairs. Direct experience leading a global or significant regional (e.g., US, EU) medical affairs organization is mandatory.
Therapeutic Expertise
Broad therapeutic area experience is preferred. A proven track record of successfully leading medical affairs strategies for multiple product launches across different disease states is essential.
Leadership Acumen
Demonstrated ability to lead large, complex, and global teams with an inspirational and inclusive leadership style. A proven record of building high-performing teams, mentoring future leaders, and driving organizational change.
Strategic & Business Insight
Exceptional strategic thinking capabilities with the ability to integrate scientific knowledge with business objectives. A deep understanding of the global healthcare ecosystem, including regulatory trends, market access challenges, and the evolving role of medical affairs.
Communication & Influence
Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to a variety of audiences and to influence decision-making at the most senior levels of the organization and with external stakeholders. Must possess executive presence and gravitas.
Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge
In-depth knowledge of global regulatory requirements, compliance standards, and industry codes governing medical affairs activities. Unquestionable personal and professional integrity.
Global Mindset
Extensive experience working in a global, matrixed environment. A strong understanding of cultural nuances and the ability to lead effectively across different geographies. Willingness and ability to travel internationally as required.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
- An executive-level base salary commensurate with experience.
- A significant annual performance-based bonus.
- A substantial long-term incentive package (equity, stock options).
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance for you and your family.
- A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Executive financial planning services.
- A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
- A comprehensive relocation package for qualified candidates and their families.
- A commitment to professional development with support for continuing education and industry engagement.
- The invaluable opportunity to hold a key leadership role in a dynamic, patient-focused organization and shape the future of medicine on a global scale.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is proud to be the exclusive recruitment partner for this transformative leadership opportunity. We are seeking a visionary medical affairs leader who is passionate about science, committed to patients, and ready to drive the medical strategy of a global pharmaceutical powerhouse. If your experience and aspirations align with the challenges and opportunities of this role, we invite you to begin a confidential discussion with us.
To learn more about our specialized expertise in this sector and to submit your application, please visit our Life Sciences & Healthcare Practice page. We look forward to reviewing your qualifications.
