Director, Medical Affairs Operations

Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: CNTA) new kind of pharmaceutical company with a deconstructed R&D environment that prioritizes data driven decision making led by subject matter experts. Centessa is advancing a portfolio of high conviction programs with strong biological validation.

Our asset-centric model offers a unique R&D logic that has been applied by single asset companies to improve productivity. This operating model has minimal centralized infrastructure, reduced hierarchy, and exclusive focus on data driven capital allocation. Our teams are uniquely incentivized to expeditiously interrogate key scientific hypotheses. We believe the asset-centric model can lead to improved success rates for programs with greater speed and modest costs.

 

Description of Role

The Director of Medical Affairs Operations will establish and lead the operational function within Medical Affairs. Reporting to the Executive Director, Head of Medical Affairs, this role ensures that Medical Affairs strategies are executed effectively, compliantly, and with operational excellence. The Director will oversee strategic planning, budget and resource management, medical governance, systems and processes, and cross-functional coordination to support the overall success of the Medical Affairs organization. 

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Operations Leadership:
• Partner with the Head of Medical Affairs to define and execute the operational strategy supporting corporate and medical objectives
• Build strong partnerships with key cross-functional stakeholders including Compliance, Finance, Clinical Development, Commercial, and Regulatory
• Facilitate Medical Affairs functional alignment to ensure efficiency and collaboration
• Business Planning & Performance Management:
• Collaborate with the Medical Director in leading strategic planning, launch readiness planning, annual operating plans, and long-range forecasts
• Develop and manage Medical Affairs operational structure, budgets, resource allocation, and KPIs to track and report performance
• Provide insights and recommendations to optimize impact, efficiency, and resource utilization
• Manage end-to-end contracting processes with procurement (vendor onboarding, purchase orders, invoicing) 
• Operational Excellence & Systems:
• Drive implementation and continuous improvement of systems, processes, and tools supporting Medical Affairs (e.g., medical information, medical insights, evidence generation, external engagement)
• Foster innovation and digital transformation to enhance operational effectiveness
• Collaboration:
• Act as a trusted partner and operational lead to medical directors, field medical leadership, medical affairs functional leads, and cross-functional stakeholders (R&D, Commercial, Market Access, etc.).
• Champion a culture of collaboration, accountability, and performance excellence. 

Qualifications

• Minimum bachelor’s degree or Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MBA, MS, or relevant life sciences/business degree preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in Medical Affairs Operations, Medical Affairs, Launch Operations, or cross-functional leadership roles
• Proven track record in strategic planning, operational leadership, and cross-functional collaboration
• Ability to make appropriate decisions to operationalize and move key projects forward
• Experience in early-stage medical affairs organizations preferred
• Excellent, interpersonal as well as written and verbal communication skills 
• Highly skilled in influencing without authority, driving alignment, and fostering collaboration across functions and leadership levels.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently

Compensation 

The annual base salary range for this level is $190,000.00 to $250,000.00. Individual compensation within this range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and job knowledge. 

In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus and participation in our equity program, allowing you to share in Centessa’s long-term success. 

Centessa also offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a 401(k) plan, company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, generous paid time off, and a health and wellness program. 

Work Location

The Director, Medical Affairs Operations role is a remote role based in the US, with occasional travel. 

POSITION: Full-Time, Exempt

 

EEOC Statement: Centessa Pharmaceuticals believes in a diverse environment and is committed to equal employment opportunity for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Centessa Pharmaceuticals will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Please note: We will not assign referral rights for any unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies.