Scientific Communication & Medical Advocacy Manager

Woodmead, Johannesburg

Job Title:  Scientific Communication & Medical Advocacy Manager
 Department: Research & Innovation (R&I), L’Oréal Sub-Saharan Africa
 Reporting To: SSAR&I Hub Director, Sub-Saharan Africa
 Governance: Member of the R&I Management Committee (Mancom)

Job Summary:

Are you a strategic scientific leader passionate about bridging cutting-edge science and high-impact communication? As our Scientific Communication & Medical Advocacy Manager, you will lead the medical affairs and scientific communication strategy for L'Oréal Sub-Saharan Africa. Reporting directly to the R&I Hub Director and serving as a key member of the Management Committee (Mancom), you will drive regional scientific advocacy, oversee robust medical communication portfolios, and ensure seamless alignment between R&I, regulatory, and business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Mancom Participation
   • Actively participate in the SSA R&I Management Committee to shape local R&I strategy, organizational design, and operational ways of working.
   • Lead the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of regional scientific communication strategies and medical affairs initiatives.
2. Scientific Content & Medical Affairs Oversight
   • Oversee the development, review, and dissemination of high-level scientific and medical content (e.g., scientific presentations, manuscripts, abstracts, medical information responses, and training materials).
   • Direct comprehensive literature syntheses and competitive intelligence analyses to support product development and regional scientific positioning.
   • Manage relationships with key external stakeholders, healthcare professionals, advisory boards, and scientific congresses.
3. Cross-functional Collaboration & Governance
   • Partner closely with global R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Development, Marketing, and Legal teams to ensure scientific rigor and consistency in internal & external messaging.
   • Ensure strict adherence to industry guidelines, ethical standards, and internal corporate governance policies governing scientific communications.
4. Team Development & Talent Management
   • Mentor and develop junior team members, interns, and technical talent, fostering a culture of high trust, psychological safety, and continuous learning.
   • Support regional diversity, equity, and inclusion objectives, as well as career path management and succession planning within the function.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Advanced post-graduate qualification (Masters or Ph.D.) in a relevant scientific or medical field (Life Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, or related discipline).
• Experience: Proven experience (5+ years) in scientific research, medical communications, or medical affairs, preferably within the dermo-cosmetics, pharmaceutical, or FMCG industry.
• Competencies:
  • Exceptional strategic thinking, project management, leadership skills and , scientific event management.
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities, with a proven track record in scientific publications or medical communication leadership.
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management capabilities.

Learning Opportunities & Benefits:

• Gain invaluable hands-on experience in scientific communication and medical affairs within a leading multinational cosmetic company.
• Develop a deep understanding of the scientific communication lifecycle, from research to dissemination on multiple channels.
• Enhance your scientific writing, critical thinking, and project management skills.
• Contribute to meaningful projects that impact healthcare professionals and consumers.
• Opportunity to network with experts across various scientific and business functions.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition or disability. We adhere to all local Labour Relations legislation.