Associate Director, Medical Strategy & Operations Lead - Ophthalmology (US Medical Affairs)

About the role

The Strategy & Operations (S&O) Lead is a strategic partner within Biogen, who will take a lead role in owning and managing critical operational aspects of US Medical. The role focuses on two key objectives:

• Support strategic planning and execution of plans for the Ophthalmology Therapeutic Area (TA).
• Support the overall strategy and operational efforts for all of US Medical, in close collaboration with the Head of Medical Strategy, Operations and Excellence (MSOE).

This role reports into the US Medical TA Head for Ophthalmology and is a critical member of the TA medical leadership team. The S&O Lead organizes and prioritizes critical issues and required information to facilitate decision-making, serving as the primary strategic liaison between the Ophthalmology TA Head, members of the NAMLT, Global Medical Teams, and US cross-functional teams.

The role provides oversight and guidance to critical operational activities (e.g., decision support, audit readiness, meeting planning and execution, onboarding, project management) across Ophthalmology. It also partners with the worldwide Medical Operations network to drive consistency in approach across Biogen Medical.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted strategic partner to the US Head of Ophthalmology, proactively highlighting business-critical risks/opportunities, representing Ophthalmology at NAMLT as a delegate, and planning/directing organizational, financial, and operational activities.
• Support the development of the overarching US medical RD strategy/plan in collaboration with the US Head of Ophthalmology to ensure alignment and execution of assigned targets.
• Provide financial oversight of the US Ophthalmology budget from development through execution, with potential additional oversight of other US Medical areas.
• Lead project/program management, including identifying, supporting, and driving continuous improvement efforts to reduce execution barriers across all TAs and functions within US Medical.
• Develop presentation and communication materials in collaboration with US Medical leaders, ensuring clarity and visual appeal for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure US Medical stays on track to annual and long-term goals by supporting regular reviews and Extended USMLT meetings.
• Orchestrate the Integrated Customer Planning (ICP) process within Ophthalmology, driving medical input and integrating strategies from Global and US Organizational ICP.
• Direct operations-related activities in partnership with US medical operation leads and other regional/global partners, including external engagements (e.g., ad boards, medical forums) and internal activities (e.g., contracting, audit readiness, material review).
• Manage information flow and ensure appropriate communication cascades within the matrixed medical and cross-functional organization (e.g., NAMLT, NALT, board updates).
• Ensure alignment and integration with US affiliate and global medical teams through regular touchpoints and participation in business-critical workstreams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and mutual trust and respect among team members.

Requirements

• BA/BS required; advanced degree (MBA, MS, PhD, PharmD) preferred.
• 7+ years of relevant pharmaceutical industry experience (e.g., Medical Affairs, Pharmaceutical Operations).
• Proven business acumen (e.g., business degree, MBA, or prior roles demonstrating financial planning).
• Complex program management experience, including strong organizational, timeline management, and leadership skills (influence without formal authority).
• Excellent social competencies and ability to work effectively in a highly matrixed organization.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build and cultivate internal/external networks.
• Ability to present medical and business content clearly and visually for executive and external audiences.
• Sound medical-scientific knowledge.
• Proven track record of holding self and others accountable.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in computer skills (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters, PhD, and/or MBA highly preferred.
• Experience working in an alliance.
• Worldwide Medical/Medical Affairs functional knowledge.
• Experience in therapeutic areas of specialty and rare diseases.
• Long-range financial planning experience.
• Change management experience.
• Openness to innovation and digital solutions.

Pay

The base compensation range for this role is $162,000–$223,000. Base salary is determined through an analytical approach considering skills, experience, job location, and internal equity. Regular employees are eligible for short-term and long-term incentives, including cash bonuses and equity opportunities.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Fitness and wellness programs, including a fitness reimbursement.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation plus end-of-year shutdown (Dec 26–Dec 31).
• Up to 12 company-paid holidays + 3 paid days off for personal significance.
• 80 hours of sick time per calendar year.
• Paid maternity and parental leave.
• 401(k) program with company-matched contributions.
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year.
• Employee Resource Groups participation.