Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Head of International Medical Affairs, Governance Enablement
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
This senior role leads international governance enablement for Medical Affairs, helping establish consistent standards, processes, controls and decision-making across markets. Requirements typically include a medical, scientific, pharmacy or related degree, substantial pharmaceutical or healthcare experience, and a strong background in Medical Affairs governance, compliance, operating models and cross-functional leadership. The successful candidate should understand global and regional regulations, work confidently with senior stakeholders, and translate complex requirements into practical systems and processes. Expectations include strategic thinking, excellent communication, influencing skills, sound judgment, and the ability to lead international initiatives in a matrix environment while supporting ethical, patient-focused and compliant medical practices.
Can I work in the UK?
Never pay anyone for a visa or a job offer. A real employer pays the permit costs and never asks you for money.
How it works
How it works: NHS nurses, doctors and allied health get a Health and Care Worker visa (about 3 weeks, no health surcharge); care workers lost this route on 22 July 2025.
Before you apply: Nurses, doctors and most allied health staff must be registered or licensed locally before they start: expect checks on your degree and licence, often an English test, and often an exam or an assessment. Ask the employer who handles it and how long it takes. Most pharma and device office jobs do not need it.
Watch for: Pay follows the NHS pay bands and is usually at least GBP 25,000. Nurses and allied health also need UK professional registration; care workers cannot be sponsored from abroad.
Official source: GOV.UK: Health and Care Worker visa, your job. Checked November 2026.
What the job usually comes with in the UK
Usual for Healthcare jobs in the UK, varies by employer. Checked November 2026.
| Registration | Join the Nursing and Midwifery Council register: English language rules and a Test of Competence |
|---|---|
| Relocation | Visa fee GBP 324 (up to 3 years) or GBP 628 (longer); no health surcharge on this visa |
| Housing | Not usually provided; you rent privately |
| Flights | Not standard; varies by employer and seniority |
| Contract | Permanent is usual; sponsored work visas last up to 5 years at a time |
| Leave | At least 28 days for a 5-day week (by law); employers may count bank holidays in it |
| Income tax | 0% to GBP 12,570, 20% to GBP 50,270, then 40%; plus 8% National Insurance (Scotland differs) |
Senior staff often get more than line staff, for example a single room or a yearly home flight. Ask the employer what the job includes before you accept.
Guidance, not legal advice. Rules change; your employer confirms the details for your case.
Working in the UK
Who can work there by passport, what a job usually includes, and island life.
About Novartis
Novartis is a global medicines company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, focused on discovering, developing and delivering innovative treatments. Its work spans areas such as oncology, immunology, neuroscience, cardiovascular and renal conditions, and other diseases with significant unmet medical needs. The company combines research, advanced technology and data with global commercial and medical expertise to improve patient outcomes. Novartis operates across many countries and employs people in scientific, clinical, manufacturing, commercial, corporate and technology roles. In the United Kingdom, it supports clinical development, medical affairs, market access and the responsible introduction of medicines into the healthcare system. The company places emphasis on innovation, ethical conduct, inclusion, professional development and collaboration across international teams.