Senior Medical Director - Clinical Development (Rheumatology)

Senior Medical Director, Clinical Development – Rheumatology Join a rapidly growing global biotechnology company developing innovative medicines for patients living with severe autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases. With an expanding pipeline, multiple clinical-stage programmes and ambitious plans for continued growth, the company is strengthening its clinical development leadership team. It offers the scientific ambition and pace of a biotechnology business alongside the resources and infrastructure required to deliver complex global development programmes. The opportunityThe Senior Medical Director will lead the clinical development team for at least one priority rheumatology indication and take ownership of its overall Clinical Development Plan. You will translate the wider asset strategy and target product profile into an integrated clinical programme that answers the critical scientific, medical and regulatory questions required for successful development. Working closely with an experienced cross-functional team, you will be accountable for maintaining strategic alignment, development quality, timelines and budget while helping maximise the broader potential of the asset. The remit encompasses strategic planning, leadership of clinical development physicians and real-time medical oversight across the studies within the programme. As clinical data emerge, you will help shape both the continuing development of the indication and longer-range planning for the asset. Key responsibilitiesProvide continuous strategic and medical leadership throughout all stages of development within the indication.Own and continuously evolve the Clinical Development Plan as scientific, clinical and regulatory evidence emerges.Translate the target product profile and broader asset objectives into a clear, evidence-based clinical strategy.Lead and line-manage the Clinical Trial Physicians working across the programme, ensuring consistently high-quality medical leadership for each study.Coach and develop physicians within the team, recognising strong performance and supporting future progression.Maintain real-time oversight of the medical aspects of all clinical studies within the indication.Communicate programme progress, emerging data, material risks and recommended actions clearly to senior leadership and study teams.Ensure strategic and medical consistency across studies, including responses and communications to regulators, ethics committees and other external stakeholders.Partner closely with clinical operations, regulatory, safety, biostatistics, clinical pharmacology and other development functions.Lead medical advisory boards and engagement with external experts where appropriate.Contribute to the continued development of a high-performing global clinical development organisation.Ensure that all clinical activities within the programme meet the required medical, ethical and regulatory standards. Education and experienceMedical degree with relevant specialist training or substantial clinical expertise in rheumatology, immunology or a closely related discipline.Board certification in rheumatology is preferred.Strong knowledge of systemic autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis, systemic sclerosis or Sjögren’s disease would be particularly relevant.Significant pharmaceutical or biotechnology experience, with a strong understanding of end-to-end drug development from early clinical development through pivotal studies and registration.Demonstrated expertise in clinical trial design, execution and interpretation of clinical data.Experience providing leadership across multiple studies within a global development programme.Direct involvement in a BLA, MAA or equivalent major regulatory submission is strongly preferred.Previous line management or meaningful leadership of clinical development physicians is highly desirable.Experience working with global regulatory authorities and supporting late-stage development decisions.Excellent written and spoken English, with the ability to travel internationally when required. Leadership profileA credible medical and scientific leader capable of providing a clear direction and purpose across several study teams.Proven leadership, motivational and interpersonal skills within a global, cross-cultural environment.Comfortable leading through both direct management and influence within a matrix organisation.A proactive problem-solver with strong judgement, negotiation skills and the confidence to make recommendations in complex situations.Able to gather input from multiple functions, establish alignment and communicate decisions and resulting actions clearly.Strong communication skills, ensuring programme plans, progress, risks, issues and results remain transparent to all relevant stakeholders.An accomplished team player who combines collaboration with independence, resilience, creativity and medical integrity. This is an opportunity to assume end-to-end clinical leadership for an important global development programme while contributing to the wider strategy and future potential of a growing rheumatology asset. To discuss the position confidentially, please send your CV to drowland@planet-pharma.co.uk About Planet Pharma: Planet Pharma is an American parented Employment Business/Agency that provides global staffing services with its head-quarters in Chicago and our EMEA regional office located in Central London. We have invested significantly in creating a robust international platform that enables us to work compliantly in 30+ countries with a current network of 2500+ active contractors globally as well as a very strong permanent / direct hire recruitment offering. Our specialist knowledge and close relationships with our clients and the wider industry really makes us unique in our field. Just recently we were recognised by FORBES as the 17th best professional staffing firm, and have won multiple awards from industry accredited bodies for our commitment to excellence and service delivery. We have extensive functional expertise including: Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacovigilance, QA, QC, Submissions experts, Clinical development, Quality, Biostatistics, and Medical Affairs / Writing. We are an equal opportunities Recruitment Business and Agency. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. www.planet-pharma.com