Strategy Lead (Medical/Therapeutic)

 

 

General role description

Medical or Therapeutic Strategy Leads develop and oversee the strategic direction of research and development programmes within a specific therapeutic area.

Working in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies or Contract Research Organisations (CROs), they align clinical, regulatory, and commercial objectives to ensure that product development and medical affairs activities support broader business goals.

These roles involve working across departments, providing scientific guidance on which projects to prioritise, and helping shape the research and communication strategies needed to bring new products to market.

Key responsibilities

  • Set the direction for medical or therapeutic research projects to ensure they align with business and patient needs
  • Work with clinical, regulatory, and commercial teams to plan how new products will be tested, approved, and brought to market
  • Help design clinical studies, choose patient groups, and determine how success will be measured
  • Advise teams on how to communicate the value and benefits of products to regulators, doctors, and other stakeholders
  • Lead and support collaboration between scientific and business teams across the organisation

Workplace settings

  • Contract Research Organisations (CROs)
  • Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies

Required qualifications

  • A degree in a relevant medical, life science, or pharmacy discipline
  • Postgraduate qualifications (e.g. PhD, PharmD, or medical degree)

Other notable requirements

Medical/Therapeutic Strategy Leads often need:

  • 7+ years of experience in clinical development, medical affairs, or scientific leadership roles
  • Expertise in a specific therapeutic area or product type
  • Strategic thinking, leadership, and stakeholder management skills
  • A strong understanding of how new products are approved, how they reach patients, and how scientific evidence is used to support their value

Common entry points

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