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Medical Affairs Global Strategic Brand Lead, Ophthalmology

Astellas
Astellas
10+ years
$280,000 – $440,000
10 Jan. 19, 2026
Job Description
Job Type: Full Time Education: B.Sc/M.Sc/M.Pharma/B.Pharma/Life Sciences Skills: Causality Assessment, Clinical SAS Programming, Communication Skills, CPC Certified, GCP guidelines, ICD-10 CM Codes, CPT-Codes, HCPCS Codes, ICD-10 CM, CPT, HCPCS Coding, ICH guidelines, ICSR Case Processing, Interpersonal Skill, Labelling Assessment, MedDRA Coding, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Terminology, Narrative Writing, Research & Development, Technical Skill, Triage of ICSRs, WHO DD Coding

Medical Affairs Global Strategic Brand Lead – Ophthalmology | Astellas Pharma

Location: Northbrook, Illinois, United States
Job Reference: #25-POS00084252M
Experience Required: 10+ years
Work Mode: Hybrid / Remote flexibility per Astellas Responsible Flexibility Guidelines
Salary Range: $280,000 – $440,000 (based on experience and organizational equity)


About Astellas Pharma

Astellas Pharma Inc. is a leading global biopharmaceutical company operating in over 70 countries. We are committed to turning innovative science into medical solutions that bring value and hope to patients and their families. Guided by ethics and integrity, Astellas focuses on unmet medical needs, delivering therapies that enhance patient outcomes worldwide.

For more information, visit www.astellas.com.


Role Overview

The Medical Affairs Global Strategic Brand Lead (MA GSBL), Ophthalmology is a senior leadership role responsible for driving global medical strategy, lifecycle management, and brand value creation. Reporting within the Asset Maximization Team and co-leading the Global Co-creation Team (GCT), the MA GSBL collaborates closely with the Commercial Global Brand Lead and Development Asset Lead to ensure optimal brand performance, patient access, and evidence-based strategy execution.

This role oversees the Core Medical Team (CMT), leads the Core Medical Plan (CMP) development, manages evidence generation and dissemination tactics, and chairs the Benefit Risk Team (BRT) for assessments and regulatory communications.


Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Co-create the Integrated Global Brand Plan (iGBP) with cross-functional experts and affiliates.

  • Lead development of Medical Product Strategy (MPS) and facilitate agile Core Medical Plan (CMP) execution.

  • Contribute to Integrated Evidence Generation Plan (iEGP) development for global evidence strategy.

  • Define and monitor brand objectives with measurable medical KPIs, ensuring alignment with global and local strategies.

  • Co-lead Global Launch Plans and present at Global Launch Readiness Reviews.

  • Drive Lifecycle Management (LCM) and Loss of Exclusivity (LOE) planning to enhance long-term brand value.

Medical Affairs Excellence

  • Lead CMT to deliver evidence generation and dissemination tactics aligned with the CMP.

  • Manage global budgets associated with evidence generation and medical affairs activities.

  • Oversee MA study governance, ensuring robust protocol reviews and high standards for evidence generation.

  • Implement Integrated Evidence Dissemination Plans, providing centralized scientific messaging.

  • Support execution of medical components of the Global Launch Plan with KPIs and progress tracking.

  • Lead Benefit/Risk assessments, representing the brand in the Global Benefit Risk Committee (GBRC) and Executive Labeling Committee.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Collaborate with Commercial, Market Access, R&D, Patient Centricity, and Regional Medical Affairs Teams.

  • Support asset development and ensure clinical viability and patient access for pipeline products.

  • Communicate insights from advisory boards and field medical interactions to guide strategy.

  • Align medical affairs execution and messaging across geographies and functions.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with external experts, advocacy groups, regulatory bodies, and diagnostic partners.

  • Represent the company in external forums, conferences, and industry partnerships.

Coaching and Team Development

  • Mentor and develop team members in alignment with Astellas culture and CMT ways of working.

  • Drive operational and cultural transformation initiatives to ensure long-term organizational success.

Compliance and Ethics

  • Ensure compliance with company policies, global regulations, and ethical standards.

  • Act as a role model for integrity, accountability, and ethical behavior.


Qualifications & Experience

Required

  • Medical degree (MD or equivalent) or Doctorate in Pharmacy/Pharmacology recognized globally.

  • 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in Medical Affairs, Medical Safety, or Clinical Development within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.

  • Expertise in leading global, cross-functional matrix teams and influencing without direct authority.

  • Proven success in brand medical affairs strategy, product launches, lifecycle management, and evidence generation.

  • Deep knowledge of pharma regulatory guidelines (IFPMA, PhRMA, FDA, EMA, PMDA, ACCME, OIG) and anti-kickback laws.

  • Experience managing large budgets and applying proactive risk management.

  • Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred

  • Medically qualified with at least 5 years of direct patient care experience.

  • Medical specialty experience in ophthalmology or related therapeutic areas.

  • Work experience across multiple regions or cultures.


Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

  • Generous Paid Time Off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays

  • 401(k) match and company contributions

  • Company-paid Life Insurance

  • Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Incentive Programs

  • Long-Term Incentive Plans for eligible roles

  • Company-paid fleet vehicle (eligible positions)

  • Referral bonus program


Why Join Astellas?

  • Lead global medical affairs strategy for a high-impact ophthalmology brand.

  • Work in an inclusive, patient-centered, and collaborative culture.

  • Hybrid work model balancing office collaboration and flexible remote options.

  • Opportunity to influence global healthcare outcomes through innovative medical strategies.

Apply now to shape the future of ophthalmology therapies and make a difference in patient lives worldwide.