Head of Medical Portfolio Support, Global Medical Affairs

Location: Parsippany, NJ

The Head of Medical Portfolio Support will lead a team of veterinary subject matter experts and provide leadership for the company's medical goals, which are in alignment with its strategic objectives.

This role is responsible for developing the medical expertise and resources to drive the commercial business, aligning medical affairs activities with the company's strategic objectives and commercial strategy. The Head of Medical Portfolio Support will act as the scientific bridge between internal functions, regulatory agencies, and veterinary professionals.

This person will be key in driving scientific and medical excellence across the product life cycle, and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders in the veterinary community. ensuring that products are used safely and effectively while improving animal health outcomes.

This role will report directly to the Global Chief Medical Officer and Head of Medical Affairs

Key Responsibilities:

Medical Strategy & Leadership

• Working with Medical Strategy, support the development and execution of a comprehensive global medical strategy aligned with the company’s business goals and product development pipeline.
• Lead and manage the Global Medical Portfolio Support team, ensuring alignment across regions and species (companion animals, livestock, aquaculture, etc.), providing direction, mentorship, and support to ensure high performance and professional development.
• Provide strategic direction to support clinical development and commercialization of new products.
• Ensure medical activities comply with global regulatory requirements and industry standards.

External Stakeholder Engagement & Alignment

• Build and maintain relationships with veterinary key opinion leaders (KOLs), regulatory agencies, academic institutions, and veterinary associations.
• Align with external stakeholders to ensure product adoption, safety awareness, and a robust understanding of emerging veterinary medical science.

Medical Information & Communications

• Ensure the development and dissemination of accurate, evidence-based medical communications, including veterinary guidelines, and publications.
• Lead the creation of scientific messaging that supports product education, safety, and efficacy to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Work closely with Global Medical Affairs teams for development and execution of medical education programs, scientific communications, and publication strategies to ensure consistent knowledge sharing and training for veterinarians and sales teams.
• Represent the company at scientific conferences, industry meetings, and other external events.

Evidence Generation & Clinical Research Support

• Collaborate with Clinical and Outcomes Research teams to support late-phase clinical trials and post-marketing studies (Phase IV).
• Review market data and trends in animal health industry to identify opportunities and needs for RWE across various portfolios and species areas

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with VMRD, Regulatory Affairs, Marketing, Commercial, and Market Access teams to ensure medical insights inform product development, positioning, and market access strategies.
• Support global product launches, providing scientific and medical guidance on key strategic initiatives.

Level of education and qualification:

• Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD or equivalent degree) required
• Advanced degree in related field (PhD, specialty)

Professional experience/capabilities:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Medical Affairs, or related roles in the animal health or pharmaceutical industry
• Proven leadership experience at the senior leadership level, with a track record of leading global teams across multiple regions.
• Practical experience working across a variety of therapeutics and species areas including both companion animals and livestock species
• Medical marketing experience working closely with marketing and category managers
• Strong knowledge of veterinary medicine and animal health industries, including regulations, product development, and market dynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with key opinion leaders (KOLs), regulatory agencies, and other external stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams.
• Experience leading large scale complex projects and managing / influencing teams in diverse locations
• Operating budg