Medical

Interim Head of Medical Affairs - External Research Opportunities (ERO)

Location: Anderlecht, Brussels Region

Industry: Global Biopharmaceutical

A leading global biopharma organisation (Anderlecht HQ) is seeking an experienced Ad‑Interim Head of Medical Affairs, External Research Opportunities (ERO) . This strategic leadership position oversees global capabilities related to external research activities, including Investigator‑Initiated Studies (IIS) , Research Collaborations , and External Funding Programs (grants, sponsorships, donations).

The role ensures the organisation’s Medical Affairs function delivers compliant, efficient, and impactful value to healthcare stakeholders, the scientific community, and ultimately patients.

Key Responsibilities:

Team & Capability Leadership

• Lead, manage, and develop the ERO team, including resource oversight and budget ownership.
• Provide clear strategic and operational direction across global Medical Affairs.
• Build strong collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, driving deep understanding of needs to enable effective partnering.
• Contribute to cross‑functional collaboration and capability development across the organisation.
• Undertake additional projects or responsibilities as required.

External Funding & Research Opportunities

• Oversee all processes related to external research (IIS, research collaborations) and external funding requests.
• Develop, implement, and maintain strategic frameworks, governance models, and operational processes aligned with industry best practice and organisational strategy.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external regulatory requirements for all external research activities.
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement in research governance and capability execution.

Requirements & Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degrees (Master’s, PhD, MD, PharmD, or similar) preferred.
• Additional certifications or regulatory/clinical qualifications considered an asset.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years’ pharmaceutical industry experience across Medical Affairs, R&D, Clinical Development, or Drug Safety.
• Demonstrated experience translating high‑level vision into actionable strategy and operational plans across global, regional, and/or local markets.
• Proven expertise in Quality Management Systems , governance frameworks, and regulated electronic systems.
• Strong background in resource planning, budget management, and financial awareness.

Leadership Competencies

• Inspirational leadership, able to motivate and mentor high‑performing teams.
• Strong integrity, patient‑centric mindset, and commitment to ethical decision‑making.
• Ability to foster cross‑functional collaboration and break down organisational silos.
• Skilled in communicating complex information, gathering insights, and driving impactful decision‑making.
• Adaptability and resilience in navigating changing business environments; strong change‑leadership capability.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to deliver results and continuous improvement.

Mindset & Cultural Attributes

• Encourages learning through experience and fosters a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing.
• Thinks holistically across functions and anticipates downstream business impact.
• Demonstrates curiosity, insight‑driven thinking, and a strong sense of accountability.
• Champions diversity, collaboration, and disciplined execution to deliver value for patients and stakeholders.

Interested?

If you would like to discuss this opportunity or be considered, apply directly or email:

alexander.sysum@msipharma.com