Accountabilities * Lead the development and implementation of the national Medical Affairs strategy for a small to medium-sized function, aligned with company objectives and country scorecard. * Shape product differentiation and value propositions, ensuring medical insight informs commercial decision-making. * Support access strategy so that the right patient receives the right medicine at the right time, in line with national healthcare priorities. * Oversee pharmacovigilance, quality, regulatory and compliance support, ensuring non key findings and full respect of applicable rules and standards. * Provide expert advice to optimise the effectiveness of the Medical Affairs function and drive continuous improvement in quality, cost and time. * Incorporate global issues and insights into local Medical Affairs strategy, anticipating future trends and needs. * Oversee or manage large brand or therapy area medical projects, ensuring adherence to internal processes and external regulations. * Define priorities and design cross-TA medical strategic plans that translate scientific leadership into clear actions and outcomes. * Build and develop a Medical Department that is customer focused, performance driven, cross-collaborative and people centred, with robust systems, processes and capabilities to meet current and future country needs. * Support the establishment of the organisation as a recognised scientific leader through proactive medical input and external engagement. * Generate medical evidence to support brand strategy in priority therapy areas and address unmet medical needs. * Provide medical expertise to help shape the regulatory environment and achieve rapid, high-quality market access for products. * Ensure strong governance and overall adherence to processes, regulations and ethical standards. * Develop, coach and inspire a high-quality team, fostering a culture of accountability, learning and innovation. * Execute effective succession planning and build a strong talent pipeline for the Medical Affairs function. * Manage all activities and account relationships in line with Company Values, Code of Conduct, internal guidelines/procedures and Italian legislation. Essential Skills/Experience * Medical Degree Qualified with clinical and/or scientific experience (typically >5y) * Management experience in medical functions in pharmaceutical industry and/or biotech company with a track record of strong leadership and people development * Significant Experience in Rare Disease / Specialty Care * Product-Life-Cycle Management and successful Launch management (typically > 3 products) * Experience in partnering/engaging with clinical research and regulatory functions/projects (ideally national and international) * Knowledge of the national pharmaceutical industry and the health policy environment * Experience in externally sponsored research and engaging with study groups * Innovative Mindset, Agile and Critical Thinking * Growth Mindset approach * Languages: Italian and English Desirable Skills/Experience * PhD in a scientific discipline * Previous Rare Disease Experience When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world. At AstraZeneca, work on rare diseases means stepping into an environment where originators thrive, where agility and innovation are essential to stay ahead in a demanding landscape of tighter budgets and intense competition. Here, it means more: closer connections to patients, an entrepreneurial biotech feel backed by global biopharma strength, and a culture that values integrity, inclusiveness and real-world impact. Expect autonomy to shape strategy, tailored development to deepen scientific and leadership capabilities, and collaboration with exceptional colleagues who share a commitment to transforming the lives of people living with rare and devastating diseases. Ready to lead bold medical strategy in rare disease and change what's possible for patients? Apply now. Date Posted 14-apr-2026 Closing Date 28-apr-2026 Alexion is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging where every single person can belong because of their uniqueness. The Company will not make decisions about employment, training, compensation, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment based on race, color, religion, creed or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, marital status, pregnancy, (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), parental status (including adoption or surrogacy), military status, protected veteran status, disability, medical condition, gender identity or expression, genetic information, mental illness or other characteristics protected by law. Alexion provides reasonable accommodations to meet the needs of candidates and employees. To begin an interactive dialogue with Alexion regarding an accommodation, please contact accommodations@. Alexion participates in E-Verify.
Job Title
Medical Director