Medical Manager, RDU, Gulf

JOB TITLE

Medical Manager Rare Disease – Gulf

ABOUT ASTRAZENECA

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

ROLE SUMMARY

AstraZeneca is transforming rare disease care across the Gulf region by uniting global science with local executional excellence. With over 7,000 known rare diseases and fewer than 1% having approved therapies, we are driven by our purpose — to transform the lives of patients with rare and devastating conditions through breakthrough science, early diagnosis, and access to innovative treatments.

As a Rare Disease Medical Manager, you will play a pivotal leadership role in bringing science to life in the field — leading and coaching a team of Medical Advisors and MSLs to execute impactful, compliant, and patient-focused medical activities across the Gulf.

The Rare Disease Medical Manager (RD MM) is the operational and people leader of the Rare Disease Medical Affairs field and advisor team. Reporting to the Gulf Medical Director, Rare Disease, this role ensures the flawless execution of the medical strategy and field plan, translating regional therapeutic priorities into measurable local medical impact.

You will build, mentor, and empower a high-performing team that delivers scientific excellence, insight generation, and cross-functional collaboration, driving the implementation of AstraZeneca’s rare disease medical plan across all Gulf markets.

What you’ll do

Team Leadership & Medical Execution

Lead, coach, and develop a team of Medical Advisors and/or MSLs to deliver high-quality, compliant, and insight-driven medical engagements.

Translate the cluster’s strategic medical plan into operational field objectives, ensuring alignment with the brand direction and priorities.

Oversee execution of scientific engagements, medical education, diagnostic projects, and patient identification initiatives across key markets.

Monitor medical performance through KPIs, field activity reports, and qualitative feedback to ensure consistent excellence and compliance.

2. Cross-Functional Collaboration

Act as the medical bridge between field teams and cross-functional brand stakeholders (Marketing, Market Access, Diagnostics, Policy, and Commercial).

Partner with Access and Commercial colleagues to support evidence-based payer and policy discussions.

Contribute medical insight and data-driven recommendations to local brand and launch excellence teams.

Represent Medical in local brand planning, promotional review, and operational readiness discussions.

3. Evidence Generation & Medical Governance

Support implementation of local research and real-world evidence initiatives, including registries, early access programs, and IISs.

Ensure medical governance and compliance across all medical activities, including material review, field scientific exchanges, and external engagements.

Collaborate with Regulatory and Pharmacovigilance teams to uphold quality, compliance, and ethical standards in all medical interactions.

4. Talent Development & Capability Building

Foster a culture of continuous learning and performance excellence within the team.

Drive coaching, mentoring, and training programs to enhance medical knowledge, scientific communication, and strategic thinking skills.

Identify development needs and career progression opportunities for team members, ensuring a robust medical talent pipeline.

5. External Scientific Engagement

Oversee team’s engagement with Key External Experts (KEEs), advocacy groups, and medical societies, ensuring alignment with scientific priorities and ethical standards.

Partner with patient organizations and academic centers to drive disease awareness and patient pathway optimization.

Represent AstraZeneca in external forums, congresses, and scientific meetings as a senior medical representative.

Only Applications in UAE will be considered.

Essential for the role

• Medical or advanced scientific degree (MD, PharmD, PhD strongly preferred).
• Minimum 5+ years of medical affairs experience, including team management and field leadership.
• Solid background in rare disease or specialty preferred.
• Proven track record in leading cross-functional medical activities and managing high-performing teams.
• Deep understanding of Gulf healthcare systems, access pathways, and payer dynamics.
• Strong analytical, communication, and coaching skills.
• Fluency in English (Arabic preferred).
• Willingness to travel within the Gulf region.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So, what’s next?

• Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.
• Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours.

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn

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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.