Affiliate Medical Affairs Director

Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk is seeking an experienced Affiliate Medical Affairs Director to lead and grow our medical affairs activities in Saudi Arabia. In this senior leadership role, you will define and deliver scientific communication strategies, build strategic relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), support clinical and real-world evidence generation, and oversee publication and medical education initiatives. The role requires strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and a commitment to patient-centric scientific excellence as well as a solid understanding of the Saudi Arabia healthcare landscape.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the affiliate s medical affairs strategy aligned with global objectives and local healthcare priorities
• Build, maintain and leverage relationships with KOLs, Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) and International Professional Associations (IPAs); lead advisory boards and integrate patient perspectives
• Provide scientific input into clinical trial design and Real-World Evidence (RWE) plans; support Scientific Recruitment & Retention (SRR) activities
• Lead publication strategy and ensure timely dissemination of RWE and clinical data
• Design and deliver medical education programs (symposia, training, virtual and face-to-face scientific meetings)
• Ensure compliance with medical, regulatory and ethical standards; provide medical training and guidance across affiliate functions
• Lead the medical affairs and science team across diabetes, metabolic affairs, rare diseases and NSCD including coaching, mentoring and performance management.
• Manage departmental budgets and ensure alignment with business priorities
• Drive innovation in scientific communication, RWE analytics, and patient-centric engagement models
• Leading and developing a team of five, including both people managers and individual contributors.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years experience in Medical Affairs or related roles in pharma/biotech
• Proven expertise in scientific communication, KOL engagement and publication strategy
• Demonstrated leadership managing cross-functional scientific teams
• Strong understanding of clinical trial methodology (phase I IV), RWE, regulatory and global medical affairs environments
• Experience with budget management and people development processes (e.g., goal setting, performance reviews, IDPs)
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and strategic planning skills
• Solid experience with and understanding of the marked in Saudi Arabia