Regional Director of MSLs, HEME Central Region Remote

The Regional Director of Medical Science Liaisons (RDM) at Novartis is responsible for developing and executing a medical strategy that aligns with the overall vision of improving patient care. This involves leading a field-based team of MSLs, ensuring compliance with ethical standards, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to enhance medical partnerships. Additionally, the RDM is accountable for team performance, resource management, and cultivating high-performing talent within their team.

To apply for the Regional Director of Medical Science Liaisons position at Novartis, candidates must possess a graduate degree in science or a healthcare-related field. A doctoral degree is strongly preferred. The role requires a minimum of 7 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with significant field-based experience and prior management of associates. Candidates should also demonstrate a strong understanding of regulatory compliance and possess excellent strategic and communication skills.

The Regional Director of Medical Science Liaisons plays a key role in Novartis’ mission to improve patient care by leading a team focused on delivering innovative medical strategies. This involves driving collaboration with healthcare professionals and medical experts, ensuring that novel approaches to partnerships are established, and enhancing scientific engagement. The RDM’s leadership ultimately enables the swift delivery of life-changing medicines to patients.

Important skills for the Regional Director of Medical Science Liaisons at Novartis include strategic thinking, strong business acumen, and excellent communication skills. Additionally, the ability to effectively collaborate in a matrixed organization, manage compliance with industry regulations, and provide coaching to direct reports are critical for success in this role. A deep understanding of the healthcare landscape and the ability to network with medical experts is also essential.

The Regional Director of Medical Science Liaisons role at Novartis entails approximately 60-70% travel across broad geographies. This travel is essential for engaging with key stakeholders, conducting field operations, and leading your team effectively. The ability to travel both domestically and internationally is a requirement for this position.

To lead a team of Medical Science Liaisons effectively, I would focus on cultivating an open environment for feedback and fostering collaboration. I’d set clear objectives and provide support for professional growth through coaching and development, ensuring alignment with our medical strategy and the company’s core values. Establishing trust and transparency among the team is essential to drive performance.

Developing a medical strategy in a complex healthcare environment entails a thorough analysis of the regional landscape, identifying key insights from data and stakeholder input. I would ensure that the strategy aligns with Novartis’ overall objectives while being adaptable to changes in regulations or market conditions. Engaging key opinion leaders to gain insights and foster relationships is also critical to successful strategy development.

My experience with compliance in the pharmaceutical industry includes a deep understanding of FDA regulations, OIG guidelines, HIPAA, and the PhRMA Code. I prioritize adherence to these regulations in all aspects of my team's operations, providing ongoing training and resources to ensure everyone's awareness of ethical standards. I believe in leading by example and holding the team accountable to these standards.

Collaboration is at the core of my leadership style. I believe that the best outcomes arise from shared insights and collective innovations. By promoting teamwork and leveraging diverse perspectives within my team and cross-functionally, I can drive better decision-making and more effective strategies that align with our goals at Novartis.

I measure the success of my Medical Science Liaison team through key performance indicators, including engagement levels with healthcare professionals, adherence to planned initiatives, and feedback from stakeholders. I also consider qualitative measures like team morale and individual professional growth, as success is also about developing our team for the future while meeting our clinical goals.

Challenges in the role of Regional Director of Medical Science Liaisons may include navigating the evolving regulations in the healthcare sector and remaining agile in response to emerging trends or diseases. Another challenge could be fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, particularly with the need for effective communication. Anticipating these challenges and preparing strategies in advance will be key to maintaining our team's success.

Ensuring continuous learning and development within my team involves providing access to training resources, encouraging participation in industry conferences, and facilitating knowledge sharing among team members. I also conduct regular one-on-ones to understand each member’s career aspirations and tailor growth opportunities accordingly, thereby fostering an environment of commitment to continuous improvement.

In a previous role, I led a cross-functional project aimed at integrating a new digital platform for MSL engagements. I coordinated efforts between marketing, IT, and compliance teams, facilitated workshops to align objectives, and fostered open communication throughout. The project successfully improved our engagement strategy and resulted in better alignment with external stakeholders, enhancing our impact in the field.

I employ a variety of coaching techniques, including active listening, constructive feedback, and goal-setting sessions. I emphasize the importance of a growth mindset and provide personalized support based on individual strengths and areas for development. Additionally, I encourage team members to self-reflect and seek peer feedback, fostering an environment where continuous learning is prioritized.

I keep informed about trends in the pharmaceutical industry through various channels, including professional journals, conferences, webinars, and networking with other professionals. I also engage with industry leaders via social media and utilize analytics to monitor emerging trends and insights. Staying proactive about these developments allows me to adapt our strategies and lead effectively in this dynamic landscape.