KSA Medical Excellence & Operation Head

AstraZeneca; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A global biopharmaceutical company is seeking a KSA Medical Excellence & Operation Head to ensure ethical interactions, lead medical quality governance, and oversee compliance with local regulations. The role requires a minimum of 7 years in Medical Affairs with strong knowledge of ABAC and data privacy. Responsibilities include optimizing team effectiveness and driving process improvements. The company promotes a diverse workplace where employees can thrive and innovate.

Benefits

Inclusive culture

Lifelong learning opportunities

Qualifications

• 7+ years in Medical Affairs/Compliance/Governance within pharma, including direct Nominated Signatory or equivalent approval authority.
• Strong knowledge of ABAC, data privacy, EI codes, GxP fundamentals, and local KSA regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the governance framework for ethical interactions and medical quality across KSA.
• Serve as the Nominated Signatory lead for HCP/HCO agreements.
• Drive simplification and continuous improvement of governance processes.

Skills

Ethical interactions

Risk assessment

Stakeholder management

Analytical problem solving

Change management

Communication in English

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy or related life sciences

Tools

GCP/GVP quality

Job description

KSA Medical Excellence & Operation Head

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.

Join a high-performing team, empowered to cut through the noise and drive real change. Our agility and pace, coupled with scientific focus, powers us to spot opportunities in the market that keep us moving forward and into new spaces.

Site Description

AstraZeneca is experiencing a significant transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, driven by a commitment to advancing healthcare, innovation, and sustainable growth. Building on our global legacy, AZ KSA is rapidly evolving its operations to better serve patients, collaborate with healthcare stakeholders, and contribute to the ambitious goals outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030. We are investing in talent, digital solutions, and new ways of working; all designed to enhance our impact on patient outcomes and reinforce our leadership in therapeutic areas. This dynamic environment calls for visionary, agile professionals who thrive in change and are motivated to help shape the future of healthcare in KSA.

Role Summary

• Lead the governance framework for ethical interactions and medical quality across the KSA, ensuring compliant, patient‑centric, and high‑impact medical and promotional activities.
• Serve as the Nominated Signatory lead with power of attorney for HCP/HCO agreements, overseeing end‑to‑end risk management
• Build and own a core capability plan to support the skills required to expand medical affairs leadership.
• Responsible on Optimizing Medical Team Effectiveness & Efficiency through establishing & closely monitoring both quantitative KPIs metrics & qualitative measurements throughout Coaching, Insights Analysis, KEEs engagement Plan & medical affairs lists periodic review.

What you’ll do

Ethical Interactions Governance

Own and maintain local Ethical Interactions (EI) SOPs; translate global Code of Conduct into robust local procedures covering patient interactions, digital communications, diagnostics, patient affordability, and external funding.

Nominated Signatory Leadership

Lead a team of risk assurance managers/signatories; review and approve materials and activities to meet ABAC, data privacy, local regulatory, and company standards; sign HCP/HCO agreements on behalf of the business.

External Funding Oversight

Chair the Ethical Interactions Committee; assess, approve, and monitor external funding and third‑party engagements, ensuring transparency, fairness, and appropriate documentation.

Risk and Assurance

Conduct first‑line monitoring and quality checks; partner with Compliance and Assurance to execute risk assessments, define CAPAs, and track remediation to closure with evidence and sustainability plans.

Medical Quality and Standards

Guide medical and marketing collaboration to ensure scientific accuracy, fair balance, and adherence to codes and SOPs across congresses, advisory boards, digital engagement, and field medical activities.

Digital Compliance

Govern compliant HCP digital engagement platforms and content, ensuring consent, privacy‑by‑design, and appropriate content governance across channels.

Process Improvement

Drive simplification and continuous improvement of governance processes, templates, and systems; embed controls proportionate to risk while enabling business agility.

Cross‑Functional Partnership

Advise cross‑functional teams on ethical and governance considerations for complex initiatives, mega events, and interactions with government officials.

Medical Excellence

• Purpose Elevate Medical Affairs capability across the KSA by defining competency standards, driving robust onboarding and continuous development for Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) and Medical Advisors, and owning certification and quality assurance to improve scientific engagement, evidence generation readiness, and cross‑functional impact.
• Liaise with the Global & International Medical Excellence Team in connection to excellence programs, localize relevant initiatives to KSA market as aligned with local strategy and compliance, and seek out opportunities for cross‑market collaboration.
• Owner of certification process of MSLs/medical advisors.
• Improve scientific engagement quality, call planning, narratives, objection handling, compliant interactions, and insight capture/translation.
• Equip medical managers with coaching requirements as per AZ standards.

Essential Capabilities

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy or related life sciences field required.
• Experience: 7+ years in Medical Affairs/Compliance/Governance within pharma, including direct Nominated Signatory or equivalent approval authority; regional KSA experience preferred.
• Expertise: Strong knowledge of ABAC, data privacy, EI codes, GxP fundamentals, and local KSA regulatory frameworks; audit and CAPA lifecycle management; digital engagement governance.
• Risk assessment, SOP authorship, stakeholder management, training design/delivery, analytical problem solving, change management, and clear written/oral communication in English.
• Certifications (Preferred): GCP/GVP quality, compliance auditing, data privacy, or ABAC training.
• Medical Excellence manager Experience.

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 28-Dec-2025

Closing Date 04-Jan-2026

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.