Senior Director, Medical Affairs Strategy & Launch--Hematology

About this role

Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., is a global pharmaceutical company based in Japan with operations in the U.S. (Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.), focused on addressing patient needs in oncology, urology, women's health, rare diseases, cell & gene therapies and CNS. With several marketed products and a diverse pipeline of early- to late-stage investigational assets, we aim to accelerate discovery, research, and development to bring novel therapies to patients sooner. For more information on SMPA, visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn.
The Senior Director, Medical Strategy, Hematologic Malignancies & Launch Readiness reports to the VP of Medical Affairs and and is part of the Medical Affairs team. The role is responsible for supporting the development and execution of the medical affairs launch strategy for investigational and medical strategy for marketed hematology-oncology assets. This individual serves as a scientific and strategic leader within Medical Affairs, integrating external insights, clinical evidence, disease state knowledge, and cross-functional perspectives to deliver impactful medical initiatives across the product lifecycle.
The role will work collaboratively with Field Medical, Clinical Development, Medical Communications, HEOR/RWE, Medical Information, Commercial, Regulatory, and other internal stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and scientifically rigorous approach to evidence generation, scientific exchange, and stakeholder engagement.

A strong focus on acute leukemias and myeloproliferative neoplasms (NPMs) is preferred. Responsibilities align closely with the Medical Strategy organization's focus on cross-functional medical planning, launch readiness, evidence generation, and scientific leadership.
Essential Functions Required for Job
Medical Strategy Leadership

• Support the development and implementation of comprehensive Medical Affairs strategies for hematologic malignancy assets and disease areas.

• Contribute to annual medical planning, strategic imperatives, and execution of tactical activities aligned with corporate objectives.

• Monitor evolving scientific, clinical, and competitive landscapes and translate insights into actionable medical strategies.

• Serve as the Medical Affairs representative on cross-functional product teams and launch teams.

Scientific Leadership & External Engagement

• Build and maintain strategic scientific relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), investigators, professional societies, and patient advocacy organizations.

• Lead external advisory boards and scientific exchange activities to gather actionable insights that inform strategy.

• Represent Medical Affairs at scientific congresses, hematology meetings, and other external scientific forums.

• Provide scientific leadership to support disease-state education and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

Evidence Generation & Insights

• Partner with Clinical Development, Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR), and Real-World Evidence (RWE) teams to identify evidence gaps and support data generation strategies.

• Contribute to investigator-sponsored research (ISR/IIS) strategy, scientific review, and oversight activities.

• Support development and execution of publication plans and scientific dissemination strategies.

• Synthesize and analyze insights from field interactions, advisory boards, congresses, and stakeholder engagements to refine medical strategy and tactical execution.

Launch Excellence & Lifecycle Management

• Support launch readiness planning and execution for pipeline and marketed assets within hematologic malignancies.

• Develop scientific platforms and core medical messages that communicate clinical value, differentiation, and unmet need.

• Partner with Medical Communications and Training functions to ensure scientific consistency across medical materials and field resources.

• Identify opportunities to strengthen asset differentiation through evidence generation and stakeholder engagement strategies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Compliance

• Collaborate effectively across Medical Affairs functions, including Field Medical, Medical Communications, Medical Information, HEOR/RWE, and Medical Excellence.

• Provide strategic medical input into congress planning, educational initiatives, and stakeholder engagement activities.

• Ensure all activities are conducted in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, company policies, and industry standards.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (general & technical):
Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of hematologic malignancies, including disease biology, treatment paradigms, biomarkers, and emerging therapeutic approaches.

• Strong understanding of drug development, clinical research, Medical Affairs functions, and evidence generation methodologies.

• Knowledge of healthcare systems, scientific publication practices, and external stakeholder engagement strategies.

• Understanding of applicable pharmaceutical regulations, compliance requirements, and industry codes governing Medical Affairs activities.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and ability to translate scientific and competitive insights into actionable medical strategies.

• Strong scientific communication and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex data to diverse audiences.

• Expertise in developing scientific narratives, medical messaging, and evidence-based value propositions.

• Ability to critically evaluate clinical, scientific, and real-world evidence to inform decision-making.

• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

• Effective facilitation of advisory boards, scientific exchanges, and cross-functional discussions.

• Relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders, including KOLs and clinical investigators.

Abilities

• Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams without direct…