Senior Director, Medical Affairs Strategy & Launch--Hematology

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.

The Senior Director, Medical Strategy, Hematologic Malignancies & Launch Readiness reports to the VP of Medical Affairs and and is part of the Medical Affairs team. The role is responsible for supporting the development and execution of the medical affairs launch strategy for investigational and medical strategy for marketed hematology-oncology assets. This individual serves as a scientific and strategic leader within Medical Affairs, integrating external insights, clinical evidence, disease state knowledge, and cross-functional perspectives to deliver impactful medical initiatives across the product lifecycle.

 

The role will work collaboratively with Field Medical, Clinical Development, Medical Communications, HEOR/RWE, Medical Information, Commercial, Regulatory, and other internal stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and scientifically rigorous approach to evidence generation, scientific exchange, and stakeholder engagement.

A strong focus on acute leukemias and myeloproliferative neoplasms (NPMs) is preferred. Responsibilities align closely with the Medical Strategy organization's focus on cross-functional medical planning, launch readiness, evidence generation, and scientific leadership. 

 

Essential Functions Required for Job

Medical Strategy Leadership

• Support the development and implementation of comprehensive Medical Affairs strategies for hematologic malignancy assets and disease areas.
• Contribute to annual medical planning, strategic imperatives, and execution of tactical activities aligned with corporate objectives.
• Monitor evolving scientific, clinical, and competitive landscapes and translate insights into actionable medical strategies.
• Serve as the Medical Affairs representative on cross-functional product teams and launch teams.

Scientific Leadership & External Engagement

• Build and maintain strategic scientific relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), investigators, professional societies, and patient advocacy organizations.
• Lead external advisory boards and scientific exchange activities to gather actionable insights that inform strategy.
• Represent Medical Affairs at scientific congresses, hematology meetings, and other external scientific forums.
• Provide scientific leadership to support disease-state education and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

Evidence Generation & Insights

• Partner with Clinical Development, Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR), and Real-World Evidence (RWE) teams to identify evidence gaps and support data generation strategies.
• Contribute to investigator-sponsored research (ISR/IIS) strategy, scientific review, and oversight activities.
• Support development and execution of publication plans and scientific dissemination strategies.
• Synthesize and analyze insights from field interactions, advisory boards, congresses, and stakeholder engagements to refine medical strategy and tactical execution.

Launch Excellence & Lifecycle Management

• Support launch readiness planning and execution for pipeline and marketed assets within hematologic malignancies.
• Develop scientific platforms and core medical messages that communicate clinical value, differentiation, and unmet need.
• Partner with Medical Communications and Training functions to ensure scientific consistency across medical materials and field resources.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen asset differentiation through evidence generation and stakeholder engagement strategies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Compliance

• Collaborate effectively across Medical Affairs functions, including Field Medical, Medical Communications, Medical Information, HEOR/RWE, and Medical Excellence.
• Provide strategic medical input into congress planning, educational initiatives, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Ensure all activities are conducted in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, company policies, and industry standards.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (general & technical):

Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of hematologic malignancies, including disease biology, treatment paradigms, biomarkers, and emerging therapeutic approaches.
• Strong understanding of drug development, clinical research, Medical Affairs functions, and evidence generation methodologies.
• Knowledge of healthcare systems, scientific publication practices, and external stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Understanding of applicable pharmaceutical regulations, compliance requirements, and industry codes governing Medical Affairs activities.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and ability to translate scientific and competitive insights into actionable medical strategies.
• Strong scientific communication and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex data to diverse audiences.
• Expertise in developing scientific narratives, medical messaging, and evidence-based value propositions.
• Ability to critically evaluate clinical, scientific, and real-world evidence to inform decision-making.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Effective facilitation of advisory boards, scientific exchanges, and cross-functional discussions.
• Relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders, including KOLs and clinical investigators.

Abilities

• Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Ability to establish credibility as a trusted scientific partner both internally and externally.
• Ability to identify evidence gaps and develop strategies to address unmet scientific and clinical needs.
• Ability to analyze complex information, synthesize diverse perspectives, and make strategic recommendations.
• Ability to work effectively in a matrixed, fast-paced environment while maintaining a focus on execution and results.
• Ability to maintain high ethical standards and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and company policies.
• Ability to travel and participate in scientific meetings, congresses, and stakeholder engagements as business needs require.

 

Education & Experience Requirements:

·       Advanced scientific or clinical degree required (PharmD, PhD, MD, DO, DNP, or equivalent). MD or PharmD preferred

·       Minimum 12 years of relevant experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industry

·       Minimum 7 years of Medical Affairs experience in oncology and/or hematology.

·       Demonstrated experience developing and executing medical strategies.

·       Strong knowledge of hematologic malignancies, clinical research, and evidence generation.

·       Experience engaging with KOLs, investigators, and external stakeholders.

·       Excellent communication, presentation, and scientific storytelling skills.

·       Strong project management and cross-functional leadership capabilities.

 

Other Requirements (licenses, certifications, specialized training, and physical or mental abilities required):

• None

 

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel approximately 30-50%, including attendance at scientific congresses, advisory boards, investigator meetings, and field engagements.

 

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.

 

People Management

This is an individual contributor role and does not have direct reports or formal people‑management responsibilities.

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.

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.

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 reasonableaccomodations@us.sumitomo-pharma.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.