Position Summary

Thea Pharma, Inc. is the newly established US commercial organization of French-based pharmaceutical company, Laboratoires Thea (Clermont-Ferrand).The company has focused on the development and commercialization of OTC and prescription therapeutics for the treatment of eye diseases for over 25 years. Thea is advancing development for OTC and prescription ophthalmic products and expects to launch its lead product candidates in the US in 2022.

The Head of Medical Affairs will report directly to the General Manager, Country Head, and will be a member of the company’s executive leadership team as well as a trusted advisor to the Laboratoires Thea Medical Team. The Head of Medical Affairs will actively participate in strategic planning, ongoing and new development projects, existing and future corporate alliances, and partnering discussions. The Head of Medical Affairs will be responsible for developing Medical Affairs (MA) strategy, management and supporting MA projects, helping with development of publications, presentations, and MA deliverables. The Head of Medical Affairs will also be responsible for exchange of medical and scientific data with healthcare providers, payors, policy makers, and other stakeholders.

 

Key Responsibilities

The Head of Medical Affairs will develop and build a Medical Affairs organizational structure and platform to be utilized globally. They will work closely with a cross-functional group that includes their counterparts in both Research & Development and Commercial to implement and ensure an all-encompassing strategy. This is an outstanding opportunity to serve as a driving force in building and expanding Thea’s medical affairs presence and success, and one that will provide broad leadership challenges, accountability, and impact. 

The areas of specific responsibility will include the following:

  • Build out and lead the Medical Affairs function to support commercial launches of new products.
  • Lead, manage and develop a best-in-class, high-performance Medical Affairs team and related support functions.
  • Identify, define and implement process and operating procedures for this group which are consistent with general guidance already in place for the development organization.
  • Develop and manage a Medical Science Liaison group.
  • Develop and implement Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance capabilities.
  • Develop and implement Medical Communication and Disease State Awareness strategies.
  • Develop and execute life cycle management plans.
  • Partner with KOLs to gather information on current focused therapeutic area issues and questions.
  • Collaborate with the Clinical Development and Commercial teams with the development of education material for providers and patients that is medically accurate and appropriate.
  • Possess an understanding of government and industry guidelines, regulations, laws, etc., for appropriate scientific/medical exchange and communication with customers.
  • Provide direction and input into the development and implementation of successful reimbursement and market-access strategies.
  • Help represent Thea Pharmaceuticals in the context of conferences, presentations, industry, and investment groups.

 

Qualifications

The Head of Medical Affairs must be a natural leader with proven experience in leading and collaborating with teams and individuals in a global, matrix environment. The successful candidate will be an accomplished, strategic, Medical Affairs operating executive from the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry with direct experience in the ophthalmic space and an outstanding record of accomplishment building and leading high-performance organizations and partnerships. It will be imperative that the candidate who fills this role is self-motivated and willing to engage in multi-level work while building the team from the ground up. The role will require a balance of strategic and tactical work, particularly in the early years as the company grows. Experience in ophthalmology is required. A solid understanding of the industry’s complex medical affairs, regulatory, market access requirements with an absolute commitment to competing on the highest ethical level are essential.

More specifically, it is anticipated that the ideal candidate will possess:

  • Possess a strong biopharmaceutical/ophthalmology background with experience working in a high achievement medical affairs group, ideally in the ophthalmology/retinal space though not essential.
  • Minimum 15 years of experience in late stage development and interphase with commercialization of drug or biological products with experience in Medical Affairs.
  • A minimum of five years of management experience.
  • Ability to recruit, manage and develop a new cross functional team.
  • Ability to lead by example, attract and develop talent, build interdependent partnerships and create a culture of collaboration and teamwork that fosters open communication, constructive conflict resolution and organizational flexibility.
  • Extensive experience in drug development, commercialization of drugs and direct interaction with the FDA and international regulatory agencies is highly desirable.
  • Able to prioritize and manage several projects simultaneously.
  • A visionary business leader, who can help chart the course and evaluate development and commercial options for Thea.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment, as well as the proven track record of working effectively in diverse teams involving multi-functional disciplines.
  • Proven ability to develop internal relationships in a highly matrix environment, as well as external relationships with Key Opinion Leaders and industry experts.
  • Able to communicate effectively at all levels and present complex and/or new ideas with clarity and simplicity.
  • A desire to be part of a highly innovative company aimed at transforming the lives of people with serious diseases, their families, and society.


EDUCATION

An MD, PhD, OD or PharmD degree is required.


EEO STATEMENT

Thea Pharma Inc. is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. At Thea, we not only support the diversity of our employee population, we celebrate the way our team member’s unique backgrounds and experiences contribute to the success of our company. Thea does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Thea Pharma Inc. does not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind.

 

Benefits and Perks

Thea offers a full suite of employee benefits, including employer-paid health insurance, a generous schedule of paid time off (PTO), Life and Disability insurance, and 401K. Thea is a flexible and entrepreneurial work environment where you will enjoy an inclusive culture and the opportunity to have your voice and ideas directly shape the future of the company.

 

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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