【Alexion Japan】Head of Medical Neurology

Position Summary

This position, Head of Medical Neurology will provide strategic leadership to Alexion’s neurology portfolio and to our expanding neurology pipeline portfolio. Responsible for providing strong scientific and medical expertise with an in-depth understanding of neuro-immunology and complement mediated diseases in neurology. Responsible for the development and implementation of the strategic plans for multiple compounds and indications in a strongly matrixed environment with effective cross-functional collaboration.  Collaborate with the rest of Alexion’s Global Medical Affairs to maximize patients’ outcomes by setting and continuously advancing the evidence-based medical standard of care. Manage Associate Director, Medical Lead(s) and MSL (Medical Science Liaison) manager as direct reporting members and manage MSLs as second-line manager.

Principal Responsibilities

Develop and implement local medical strategies and plans as well as the strategically aligned tactical plan (also responsible for the execution) for the respective assets/indications. Will work cross-functionally as well as closely with the regions and countries to transform medical practice. Responsible for the following:

• The Head of Medical Neurology aims to ensures solid scientific medical planning and execution to positively impact rare disease patients' lives.
• Responsible for ensuring the quality of medical strategies in Japan in alignment with Alexion's corporate and brand strategies.
• Accountable for day-to-day operations execution, ensuring the quality and strategic alignment of medical activities for building local evidence and trust.
• Represent Japan Medical Therapeutic Area at the relevant Global/Japan Product Teams (GPT/JPT)
• Leads the organization to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of operations through continuous improvement approaches, formulating and developing strategic directions, business/resource planning, appropriate budget management, and leadership of medical organizations.
• Ensures that the organization's strategy aligns with the global Alexion/AZ RDU Medical Affairs.
• Responsible for related HR activities such as talent development, evaluation, and recruitment.
• Collaborates closely with the commercial department, ensuring all oral and written communications are accurately and compliantly reflected medically and scientifically.
• As a member of the Medical Affairs Leadership Team (MALT), this role contributes to the success of the entire medical department across all functions and roles, embedding Alexion’s corporate values, culture, and vision not only in its own function but throughout the entire medical department.
• Ensure that the medical organization is a valuable partner for the commercial department through effective internal communication, participation in the JLC, engagement, and execution of medical activities.
• Present issues and solutions to the Medical Leadership Team (MLT) and/or JLT as necessary.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

• Must have a MD, PhD or Pharm D level degree or equivalent
• Must have experience in Global or International Medical Affairs function (5+ years)
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal in English & Japanese.
• Experience/ability to work in a matrix cross-functional environment, both internally and remotely
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated track record and ability to drive results as an effective a team member and project leader
• Proven ability to manage budget and resources
• Strong business acumen
• Ability to build partnership access between HQ and affiliates
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing conditions
• Excellent problem solving, organizational, and negotiating skills
• Must demonstrate an energy and enthusiasm which brings a positive approach to all challenges Sense of ethics and responsibility
• Travel required up to 25%

Preferred Qualifications

• Scientific and technical acumen in Neurology and Neuro-immunology
• Understanding of Health Outcomes Research/Reimbursement Experience
• Understanding of the global markets

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.