Manager Medical Affairs Operations

MANAGER, MEDICAL AFFAIRS OPERATIONS

Zentalis is a clinical oncology innovator developing a treatment approach for ovarian cancer and multiple tumor types. Leveraging therapeutics development and biomarker expertise, Zentalis is advancing monotherapy and combination studies of its investigational first-in-class WEE1 inhibitor, azenosertib. Focused on translating WEE1 science into clinical practice, we aim to equip physicians with a targeted, non-chemo, orally available medicine that enhances treatment experience, choice, and outcomes. Our mission: to unburden cancer patients with more convenience and care.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Manager, Medical Affairs Operations provides strategic and operational leadership for the Medical Affairs function, ensuring priorities are executed efficiently, compliantly, and in alignment with organizational goals. This role oversees business planning, budget management, process optimization, vendor oversight, congress and advisory board operations, and cross-functional coordination across Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Regulatory, Compliance, Legal, Finance, and Commercial. The Director enables operational excellence by building scalable systems, establishing performance metrics, and driving disciplined execution across medical initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead operational planning for Medical Affairs, including annual operations objectives, long-range operations planning, resource allocation, and performance tracking.


• Develop, implement, and continuously improve processes, systems, and governance that support compliant and efficient Medical Affairs execution.


• Own and manage the Medical Affairs budget, including forecasting, accruals, purchase orders, invoice processing, and vendor oversight.


• Direct operational support for advisory boards, scientific meetings, congresses,  and other key initiatives.


• Establish and monitor key performance indicators, dashboards, and business reviews to measure quarterly execution, impact, and operational health.


• Partner cross-functionally with Compliance, Legal, Finance, Procurement, Regulatory, Clinical Development, Commercial, and external service providers to ensure alignment and timely delivery.


• Oversee contracting and administrative workflows, including statements of work, confidentiality agreements, consultant engagements, and honoraria processes, where applicable.


• Drive inspection readiness and documentation quality by maintaining organized records, standard operating practices, and audit-support processes.


• Identify opportunities for digital enablement, automation, and process simplification to improve team productivity and stakeholder experience.


• Lead, coach, and develop operations staff and/or project support resources, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree required in life sciences, healthcare, business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred (e.g., MS, MBA, PharmD, PhD).


• Typically 8+ years of relevant experience in Medical Affairs, pharmaceutical or biotechnology operations, commercial operations, clinical operations, or related healthcare industry functions.


• Demonstrated experience supporting or leading Medical Affairs planning, budgeting, vendor management, congress execution, or governance processes.


• Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical or biotechnology compliance requirements, including interactions with healthcare professionals and medical governance practices.


• Experience working in a matrixed environment with multiple internal stakeholders and external partners.


• Excellent project management, financial acumen, organizational, and communication skills.


• Proven ability to translate strategy into operational plans, manage competing priorities, and deliver results on time and within budget.


• Ability to travel to conferences and business-related activities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in rare disease, oncology, specialty therapeutics, or other highly scientific product environments.


• Prior responsibility for medical systems, insights platforms, or field medical operational processes.


• Experience building new processes or Medical Affairs operations in a growing or evolving biotechnology organization.


• Familiarity with launch planning, evidence generation operations, and external engagement management.


• PMP, Lean, or other operational excellence certification is a plus.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Strategic thinking and operational execution


• Cross-functional collaboration and influence


• Budget ownership and resource planning


• Compliance mindset and risk awareness


• Process design and continuous improvement


• Vendor and stakeholder management


• Executive communication and business reporting


• Team leadership, coaching, and talent development