Medical Research Council jobs in Western Cape

Job Summary:

• As the Medical Head you will be the medical authority on our pharmaceutical portfolio, bridging the gap between science and business to drive brand success. You will lead the medical strategy, ensuring that products are promoted ethically, effectively, and in compliance with industry standards. Your expertise in scientific insights, clinical research, and regulatory landscapes will be key in shaping brand strategy and building credibility with healthcare professionals (HCPs), Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), and internal stakeholders.
• This role requires a deep understanding of medical and brand strategy, the ability to translate complex scientific data into compelling brand narratives, and a strong commitment to scientific excellence in the region.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Scientific & Strategic Leadership:

• Serve as the expert on the science behind our products, ensuring medical integrity in all engagements.
• Develop and execute medical strategies that align with brand and business objectives, considering regional market dynamics.
• Provide scientific leadership to influence business decisions and support product positioning.
• Identify and leverage medical value opportunities within the product portfolio to drive growth.

2. Brand Expertise & Medical Education:

• Lead scientific training for commercial teams, ensuring accurate product

knowledge and clear translation of medical insights into compelling brand messaging.

• Work closely with marketing and sales to ensure all brand communications are rooted in credible science.
• Ensure that internal teams can confidently discuss product benefits while maintaining scientific accuracy and compliance.

3. Medical Communications & Scientific Simplification:

• Translate complex scientific concepts into digestible formats for none medical audiences, including HCPs, sales teams, and consumers.
• Develop medical content for promotional materials, presentations, and external engagements.
• Ensure consistency and scientific integrity in all product claims and communications.

4. Key Opinion Leader (KOL) & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with KOLs, medical societies, and HCPs.
• Engage with regulatory authorities, payers, and health organizations to drive scientific advocacy.
• Gather and apply medical insights from KOLs to enhance brand credibility and competitive advantage.

5. Clinical Research & Real-World Evidence (RWE):

• Support the development and execution of clinical research initiatives to

generate scientific data supporting the product portfolio.

6. Medical Information & Compliance:

• Ensure the timely and accurate delivery of medical information to HCPs,

patients, and internal teams.

• Address medical queries and concerns, ensuring ethical, evidence-based responses.
• Partner with regulatory affairs to provide medical input during product

registration, labelling, and compliance processes.

• Ensure all medical activities adhere to compliance regulations, ethical

standards, and company policies.

7. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Product Lifecycle Management:

• Work collaboratively with commercial, regulatory, and scientific affairs teams to ensure medical strategies align with business objectives.
• Contribute to product launches, lifecycle management, and expansion strategies.

8. Performance Metrics & Continuous Improvement:

• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for medical affairs initiatives.
• Identify areas for improvement and implement best practices in medical operations.
• Stay updated on scientific advancements, competitor activities, and industry trends, ensuring continued innovation.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Advanced degree in Pharmacy or Medicine (MBBCh, BPharm)
• Valid certification with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) or Health

Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

• 3-5+ years of leadership experience in Medical Affairs, ideally within the

OTC/FMCG pharmaceutical sector.

• Strong knowledge of medical and brand strategies, with the ability to integrate both for business impact.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to simplify and articulate complex scientific data.
• Experience in stakeholder management, including HCPs, KOLs, and regulatory bodies.
• Deep understanding of regulatory requirements, compliance standards, and industry ethics.
• A strong commitment to scientific excellence, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Why Join Us?

• Be the scientific authority behind a leading consumer healthcare portfolio.
• Work in a dynamic, cross-functional environment where science meets business.
• Drive meaningful brand impact by translating science into strategy.
• Lead medical innovation in a high-growth, ethically driven organization.
• Inclusion in all aspects of work

Pay: R100 000,00 - R130 000,00 per month

Application Question(s):

• Do you have 3-5+ years of leadership experience in Medical Affairs, ideally within the

OTC/FMCG pharmaceutical sector ?

• Do you have a Valid certification with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) or Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) ?

Education:

• Bachelors (Required)

Work Location: In person