Affiliate Medical Affairs Director

Novo Nordisk is seeking an experienced Affiliate Medical Affairs Director to lead and grow our medical affairs activities in Saudi Arabia. In this senior leadership role, you will define and deliver scientific communication strategies, build strategic relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), support clinical and real-world evidence generation, and oversee publication and medical education initiatives. The role requires strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and a commitment to patient-centric scientific excellence as well as a solid understanding of the Saudi Arabia healthcare landscape.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the affiliate’s medical affairs strategy aligned with global objectives and local healthcare priorities
• Build, maintain and leverage relationships with KOLs, Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) and International Professional Associations (IPAs); lead advisory boards and integrate patient perspectives
• Provide scientific input into clinical trial design and Real-World Evidence (RWE) plans; support Scientific Recruitment & Retention (SRR) activities
• Lead publication strategy and ensure timely dissemination of RWE and clinical data
• Design and deliver medical education programs (symposia, training, virtual and face-to-face scientific meetings)
• Ensure compliance with medical, regulatory and ethical standards; provide medical training and guidance across affiliate functions
• Lead the medical affairs and science team across diabetes, metabolic affairs, rare diseases and NSCD — including coaching, mentoring and performance management.
• Manage departmental budgets and ensure alignment with business priorities
• Drive innovation in scientific communication, RWE analytics, and patient-centric engagement models
• Leading and developing a team of five, including both people managers and individual contributors.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Medicine – specialization in endocrinology is an advantage
• At least 10 years’ experience in Medical Affairs or related roles in pharma/biotech
• Proven expertise in scientific communication, KOL engagement and publication strategy
• Demonstrated leadership managing cross-functional scientific teams
• Strong understanding of clinical trial methodology (phase I–IV), RWE, regulatory and global medical affairs environments
• Experience with budget management and people development processes (e.g., goal setting, performance reviews, IDPs)
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and strategic planning skills
• Solid experience with and understanding of the marked in Saudi Arabia

About the department:

At Novo Nordisk Saudi Arabia, the medical unit is responsible for shaping and implementing both short- and long-term medical affairs strategies across our portfolio, including scientific communication, evidence generation, and proactive external medical engagement with healthcare professionals and key opinion leaders. As a management team member, you will lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary medical affairs team dedicated to excellence in quality, safety, and compliance. This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to drive strategic priorities during a pivotal period of growth, influence cross-functional decision-making, and advance initiatives that deliver meaningful improvements in patient care.

What we offer

• A senior leadership role with broad influence on patient-centred medical strategy in Saudi Arabia
• Opportunity to work across therapeutic areas including diabetes, metabolic and rare diseases
• A collaborative, global matrix environment with strong opportunities for professional growth and impact
• A key role with the affiliate leadership team in Saudi Arabia

Deadline

3. April 2026

At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and preventing diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.