Senior Director, Field Medical

Sumitomo Pharma; Frankfort (KY); Remote; USD 247,000 - 309,000; Full time

Job summary

Sumitomo Pharma America is seeking a Head of Field Medical to lead the strategic direction of the Field Medical organization, overseeing MSL team leads and global ex-US teams. You will drive scientific engagement with healthcare professionals, KOLs, and stakeholders, and support evidence generation to inform internal strategy.

This primarily remote role requires strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and a track record in strategic medical affairs to advance therapeutic areas and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Advanced degree in medical science (MD, PhD, PharmD).
• 12+ years of relevant experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industry.
• 8+ years of people leadership experience.
• Proven track record of strategic leadership and team development.
• Strong understanding of therapeutic areas, clinical research, and regulatory environment.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the vision, strategy, and operating plan for Field Medical in alignment with Medical Affairs.
• Lead, coach, and develop MSL Team Leads and team members.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and development of field medical staff.
• Foster collaboration, scientific excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure high-quality scientific exchange with HCPs, KOLs, and stakeholders.
• Support generation and communication of real-world evidence to inform strategy.
• Partner with Medical Affairs, Market Access, Commercial, Regulatory for alignment.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Team Management

Scientific Engagement

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Performance & Compliance

Strategic Thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Advanced degree in medical science (MD, PhD, PharmD)

Job description

US-Remote

Full time

R01487

Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., is a global pharmaceutical company based in Japan with operations in the U.S. (Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.), focused on addressing patient needs in oncology, urology, women's health, rare diseases, cell & gene therapies and CNS. With several marketed products and a diverse pipeline of early- to late-stage investigational assets, we aim to accelerate discovery, research, and development to bring novel therapies to patients sooner. For more information on SMPA, visit our website https://www.us.sumitomo-pharma.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Job Overview:

Head of Field Medical is responsible for leading and shaping the strategic direction of the Field Medical organization, including oversight of Medical Science Liaison (MSL) Team Leads and global ex-US MSL team. This role ensures alignment with overall Medical Affairs objectives, drives scientific engagement with external stakeholders, and fosters excellence in field-based medical activities to support the company’s therapeutic areas and products.

Essential Functions Required for Job:

• Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the vision, strategy, and operational plan for the Field Medical function in alignment with Medical Affairs and corporate objectives.

• Support commercial and pipeline products

• Ensure compliance with regulatory and legal standards governing medical engagement.

• Team Management

• Lead, coach, and develop MSL Team Leads and team members to ensure high performance and engagement.

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and professional development of field medical staff.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, scientific excellence, and continuous improvement.

• Scientific Engagement

• Ensure the Field Medical team delivers high-quality scientific exchange with healthcare professionals (HCPs), key opinion leaders (KOLs), and other stakeholders.

• Support the generation and communication of real-world evidence and insights to inform internal strategy.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with internal stakeholders (Medical Affairs, Market Access, Commercial, Regulatory) to ensure alignment and integration of field medical activities.

• Provide medical insights to inform strategic decisions and evidence generation plans.

• Performance & Compliance

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for Field Medical.

• Ensure adherence to all compliance, ethical, and legal standards in scientific engagement.

Key Core Competencies

• Strategic Thinking

• Leadership & People Development

• Scientific Expertise

• Compliance & Integrity

Experience and Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.

• Advanced degree in medical science (MD, PhD, PharmD)

• 12+ years of relevant experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industry

• 8+ years of people leadership experience

• Proven track record of strategic leadership and team development.

• Strong understanding of therapeutic area(s), clinical research, and regulatory environment.

• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.

Travel Requirements:

Primarily remote role with periodic on-site meetings in office. Must be able to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Mental/Physical Requirements:

Fast-paced environment handling multiple demands is involved. Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment as necessary. Requires a high level of initiative and independence. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Requires ability to use a personal computer for extended periods of time.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Confidential Data:

All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that an employee encounters is considered confidential, in accordance with applicable law.

Compliance:

Achieve and maintain Compliance with all applicable regulatory, legal and operational rules and procedures, by ensuring that all plans and activities for and on behalf of Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) and affiliates are carried out with the "best" industry practices and the highest ethical standards.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Drug Screening Requirements

Applicants for sales/field, manufacturing, or other designated roles will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test.

Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.

Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) endeavors to make its application process accessible to all. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact SMPA at [e-mail] . This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., is a global pharmaceutical company based in Japan with operations in the U.S. (Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.), focused on addressing patient needs in oncology, urology, women's health, rare diseases, cell & gene therapies and CNS. With several marketed products and a diverse pipeline of early- to late-stage investigational assets, we aim to accelerate discovery, research, and development to bring novel therapies to patients sooner. For more information on SMPA, visit our website https://www.us.sumitomo-pharma.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) endeavors to make its application process accessible to all. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact SMPA at [e-mail]

This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

SMPA may use Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) as part of the job application process, including to assist us in evaluating your application. By submitting your information, you acknowledge that the company may use AI tools as part of our evaluation.

At Sumitomo Pharma America, our work is guided by the Sumitomo Pharma mission, vision and values, which tie closely to our company’s cultural pillars.

Our Mission

To broadly contribute to society through value creation based on innovative research and development activities for the betterment of healthcare and fuller lives of people worldwide

Our Vision

For Longer and Healthier Lives, we unlock the future with cutting edge technology and ideas

The base salary range for this role is

$247,400.00 - $309,200.00

Base salary is part of our total rewards package which also includes the opportunity for merit-based salary increases, short incentive plan participation, eligibility for our 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances and leaves provided in line with your work state. Our robust time-off policy includes flexible paid time off, 11 paid holidays plus additional time off for a shut-down period during the last week of December, 80 hours of paid sick time upon hire and each year thereafter. Total compensation, including base salary to be offered, will depend on elements unique to each candidate, including candidate experience, skills, education and other factors permitted by law.