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About the client:

It is one of Europe’s leading specialty pharmaceutical groups focused primarily on disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). The company operates across multiple European countries with its own commercial affiliates, offering a broad portfolio that includes branded generics, value-added medicines and innovative drug-delivery systems designed to improve patient adherence.

About the Role

The company is strengthening its Global Rare Diseases organization and is seeking a Corporate Rare Diseases Launch Excellence & Medical Lead to drive the medical strategy and global launch readiness for its Rare Diseases portfolio, including upcoming launches.

This is a highly strategic corporate position that will work closely with Medical Affairs, Commercial, Clinical Development, Regulatory, Market Access and European affiliates to ensure successful product launches and establish Medical Affairs as a key strategic partner across the organization.

This is not a traditional Medical Affairs role focused solely on scientific support. It is an opportunity to build, shape and influence the future of the Rare Diseases function within a fast-growing organization undergoing a significant transformation towards innovative medicines.

Role Mission

The Corporate Rare Diseases Launch Excellence & Medical Lead will define and execute the global medical strategy for the Rare Diseases portfolio while driving launch excellence across affiliates.

Beyond scientific leadership, the successful candidate will play a critical role in influencing cross-functional decisions, aligning international stakeholders, and helping establish Medical Affairs as a strategic driver of innovation, launch excellence and future portfolio growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the global medical strategy for pipeline and in-market Rare Disease products.

• Drive launch excellence and launch readiness across European affiliates.

• Develop and execute medical plans supporting successful product launches.

• Generate medical insights and translate them into strategic actions.

• Lead scientific communication activities, evidence generation and publication planning.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with international KOLs and lead advisory boards.

• Partner closely with Commercial, Clinical Development, Regulatory and Market Access teams to ensure cross-functional alignment.

• Champion Medical Affairs internally by proactively identifying opportunities to maximize patient impact and business value.

• Support Business Development and asset evaluation activities for future Rare Disease opportunities.

• Contribute to the long-term development of the Rare Diseases franchise and future CNS innovation strategy.

• Help establish best practices and contribute to building the Rare Diseases Medical Affairs organization as it continues to grow.

Professional Experience

Required

• Minimum 5 years' experience in Medical Affairs within the pharmaceutical industry.

• Experience supporting innovative products, ideally in Neurology, Rare Diseases or other highly specialized therapeutic areas.

• Proven experience in product launches and launch readiness activities.

• Experience working in regional or global Medical Affairs roles is highly preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex cross-functional initiatives without direct authority.

• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across matrix organizations.

• Experience supporting Business Development, asset evaluation or due diligence activities is considered an advantage.

• Strong business acumen combined with scientific credibility.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences (Medicine, Pharmacy or Biology).

• MD, PhD or MSc in Neurosciences or another relevant scientific discipline is highly preferred.

Languages

• Fluent English is required.

• Additional European languages are considered an advantage.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a highly proactive Medical Affairs professional who enjoys building new capabilities and driving strategic initiatives.

The ideal candidate combines scientific excellence with strong business acumen and is comfortable operating in an evolving, entrepreneurial environment.

They should be someone who naturally takes ownership, influences without formal authority and is motivated by creating impact rather than simply executing established processes.

Success in this role will come from the ability to:

• Think strategically while remaining execution focused.

• Lead through influence rather than hierarchy.

• Build trust and credibility with senior stakeholders.

• Thrive in ambiguity and fast-changing environments.

• Drive initiatives independently with a high level of ownership.

• Collaborate effectively across international, cross-functional teams.

• Balance scientific rigor with commercial awareness.

• Learn quickly and contribute beyond a single product or therapeutic area.

Key Competencies

• Strategic mindset

• Launch Excellence

• Leadership through influence

• Scientific credibility

• Stakeholder management

• Cross-functional collaboration

• Business acumen

• Entrepreneurial mindset

• Proactivity and ownership

• Communication and presentation skills

• Problem solving

• Adaptability and resilience

• Self-management and autonomy