Medical Director BBU

The Medical Director, Biopharmaceuticals Business Unit (BBU) Mexico, is accountable for leading the country medical strategy and execution across prioritized BBU therapeutic areas (e.g., cardiovascular, renal & metabolism, respiratory, vaccines & immune therapies, and/or other assigned portfolios). The role ensures scientific leadership, evidence generation, data dissemination, and compliant medical engagement that advance patient outcomes, inform clinical practice, and support sustainable business performance.

Key responsibilities

• Medical strategy and leadership: Own the end‑to‑end BBU country medical plan aligned with global/region priorities and local patient needs. Set clear objectives, KPIs, and risk controls for brand and portfolio medical activities.
• Therapeutic area (TA) excellence: Serve as the senior scientific authority for assigned TAs, ensuring up‑to‑date understanding of disease biology, evolving standards of care, competitive landscape, and local guidelines in Mexico.
• Evidence generation: Lead local evidence plans including IIS/IST support, RWE/HEOR projects, non‑interventional studies, and post‑authorization commitments in accordance with regulations and SOPs. Partner with Clinical Operations on feasibility, site identification, and patient access initiatives.
• External engagement: Build and sustain strategic, compliant relationships with scientific leaders, professional societies, academic centers, and patient organizations. Represent the company at national congresses and advisory boards; orchestrate high‑quality scientific exchange.
• Medical governance and compliance: Ensure all medical activities comply with Mexican regulations (COFEPRIS), industry codes (e.g., CANIFARMA/IFPMA), and company policies (approval, review, and documentation). Chair or contribute to medical review committees for promotional and non‑promotional materials.
• Insight generation: Systematically collect, synthesize, and communicate medical insights to shape strategy, lifecycle management, forecasting, and market access value propositions.
• Publications and data communication: Drive publication plans, data clarity, and consistent scientific narratives across channels. Ensure timely, accurate, and balanced medical information responses.
• Cross‑functional partnership: Co‑lead with Commercial, Market Access, Government Affairs, and Patient Safety to deliver integrated brand plans, payer value stories, and risk‑minimization activities. Act as the medical voice in pricing/HTA submissions, tenders, and access negotiations as appropriate.
• Medical education: Oversee the design and delivery of independent and company‑sponsored medical education aligned to unmet needs and evidence, ensuring speaker training and content quality.
• Field medical leadership: Lead, coach, and develop MSL managers/MSLs; prioritize customer plans, scientific projects, and metrics (e.g., scientific exchange quality, KOL coverage, insight depth).
• People and capability development: Recruit, mentor, and performance‑manage a high‑performing medical team. Foster a culture of ethics, inclusion, and continuous learning.
• Safety and PV: Ensure robust safety surveillance, case reporting, and risk management in partnership with Pharmacovigilance. Support benefit–risk communication and post‑marketing commitments.
• Budget and resource management: Own medical budget, vendor oversight, and operational excellence (timelines, quality, audit readiness).

Required qualifications

• Education: MD or PharmD/PhD with strong clinical and scientific credentials; medical specialization in relevant TA is a plus.
• Experience: 8–12+ years in Medical Affairs/Clinical Development, including leadership of country medical teams and complex portfolios; prior experience in Mexico and Latin America healthcare systems.
• Regulatory/compliance: Deep knowledge of COFEPRIS regulations, local promotional codes, and compliance frameworks; demonstrated audit/inspection readiness.
• Stakeholder engagement: Proven track record collaborating with KOLs, payers, HTA bodies, academic groups, and professional societies.
• Evidence/RWE: Experience designing and delivering non‑interventional studies, RWE/HEOR projects, and publications.
• Cross‑functional leadership: Success influencing without authority across Commercial, Market Access, and Clinical Operations; fluency in integrated brand planning.
• Languages: Native/near‑native Spanish and professional English proficiency.

Core competencies

• Scientific leadership: Ability to translate complex science into clear, balanced, and actionable medical strategy.
• Strategic thinking: Portfolio prioritization, scenario planning, and risk management.
• External orientation: Credibility with clinicians and scientific leaders; strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Operational excellence: Program management, quality mindset, and budget stewardship.
• People leadership: Coaching, talent development, and inclusive team culture.
• Ethics and integrity: Uncompromising commitment to patient safety and compliance.

Working conditions

• Hybrid role with regular on‑site presence in Mexico City
• Domestic travel up to 30–40% for field medical oversight, site visits, and congresses
• Occasional international travel for regional/global meetings

Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.