Medical Director - Industry and CROs

General role description

Medical Directors in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and CRO sectors provide senior leadership across medical affairs, guiding the scientific strategy for one or more products or an entire therapeutic area. They are responsible for aligning clinical evidence, stakeholder engagement, and compliance with commercial and regulatory goals.

Medical Directors often lead or mentor medical teams and represent the company in high-level scientific, regulatory and commercial forums.

This role suits experienced professionals who can integrate scientific knowledge with business strategy and who are confident working in complex, fast-paced environments.

Key responsibilities

  • Lead the development and delivery of medical affairs plans that support product and portfolio strategy, including evidence generation, scientific communications, and external engagement
  • Provide high-level medical and scientific input into regulatory submissions, reimbursement strategy, and cross-functional commercial planning
  • Review and approve promotional and non-promotional materials to ensure scientific accuracy and compliance with the Medicines Australia Code of Conduct
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key external experts, professional bodies, and clinical leaders
  • Represent the company at major scientific meetings, medical education events, and in national or global forums
  • Lead or mentor medical affairs staff, including Medical Managers, Medical Affairs Specialists, or field-based Medical Science Liaisons
  • Provide strategic input into launch planning, portfolio development, and long-term positioning of products
  • Monitor and interpret clinical developments, competitor activity, and treatment guidelines to inform business decisions and medical priorities.

Workplace settings

  • Pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies.
  • Contract research organisations (CROs). 

Required qualifications

  • A medical degree and registration (or eligibility for registration) with the Medical Board of Australia
  • Postgraduate qualifications in clinical research, public health, medical affairs, or business may be valued.

Other notable requirements

Medical Directors in industry often need:

  • At least 8–10 years of experience in medical affairs, clinical development, or a related industry role
  • Deep understanding of Australian regulatory and ethical frameworks, including the Medicines Australia Code of Conduct
  • Strong track record in scientific leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and stakeholder engagement
  • Strategic thinking and the ability to lead portfolios or product launches across multiple internal and external teams
  • Experience managing or mentoring medical affairs staff is highly regarded.

Common entry points

Medical Manager

Clinical Development Lead

Common Next Roles

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