Medical Director, Repiratory Medical Affairs

Contact: Alexandra Spink - aspink@penfieldsearch.com
No 3rd party candidates

We are seeking an experienced Medical Director, Respiratory Medical Affairs to lead the development and execution of the global Medical Affairs strategy for our respiratory portfolio. This highly visible leadership role will drive medical strategy across all geographic regions, ensuring a cohesive, science-driven approach while partnering closely with cross-functional teams to support successful product development and commercialization.

The Medical Director will collaborate across Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Commercial, HEOR, Medical Excellence, Field Medical, Medical Information, Scientific Communications, and Publications to ensure alignment, generate impactful scientific evidence, and strengthen external partnerships within the respiratory community.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the global Medical Affairs strategy for the respiratory indication, ensuring alignment with overall corporate objectives.
• Translate strategic priorities into comprehensive Medical Affairs plans that support key development and launch milestones.
• Provide medical leadership and strategic input to cross-functional teams including Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, HEOR, Commercial, and other key stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external experts, key opinion leaders (KOLs), and the broader respiratory medical community.
• Lead the medical data generation strategy by identifying evidence gaps and developing integrated plans to support scientific and clinical objectives.
• Review scientific publications and develop medical backgrounders, FAQs, standard response documents, and internal training materials.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive thought leader engagement strategy.
• Partner with Medical Strategy, Regional teams, and Finance to develop and manage annual Medical Affairs budgets.
• Foster strong collaboration across Global Medical Affairs, Regional Medical teams, Commercial, Clinical Development, and other functional groups to ensure a unified approach.
• Identify opportunities to incorporate innovative ideas, best practices, and operational improvements into Medical Affairs strategies and activities.
• Ensure all Medical Affairs activities are conducted in compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.

Qualifications

• Previous Medical Affairs experience in pulmonology/respiratory medicine is required.
• Strong understanding of Medical Affairs strategy, planning, and execution, with launch experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success developing innovative Medical Affairs strategies and programs.
• Proven ability to represent Medical Affairs as a strategic leader on cross-functional teams.
• Experience working effectively within a complex global matrix organization.
• Previous leadership experience with the ability to lead through influence across cross-functional teams.
• Global experience, or experience working across multiple regions including the United States, is preferred.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills across multiple functions.
• Proven track record of driving operational excellence, improving processes, and establishing planning standards.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to connect scientific, clinical, and commercial priorities.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational change and driving continuous improvement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with a creative, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed (up to 25% travel).

 Education

• MD degree minimum 6 years medical affairs experience