Head of Legal - Pharmaceuticals The Role As Head of Legal, you will act as a strategic partner to senior leadership, providing commercially focused legal guidance that supports global business objectives. You'll lead and develop a legal team, own the legal and compliance agenda, and work closely with multiple business units including Commercial Operations, Supply Chain, and Business Development. This is a true senior leadership opportunity with both strategic and hands-on influence. Key Responsibilities: Legal & Compliance Leadership
• Advise on a broad range of legal matters: commercial contracts, corporate law, data protection, anti-trust, anti-bribery, IP, and pharmaceutical marketing/advertising regulations.
• Develop, lead, and mentor a team of legal professionals.
• Oversee litigation and contentious matters, coordinating with external counsel.
• Provide training and guidance on compliance topics including ABAC, GDPR, antitrust, and interactions with healthcare professionals.
• Build strong partnerships across global and regional teams to ensure business-aligned legal solutions. Experience & Qualifications
• Qualified lawyer with 10 years' post-qualification experience.
• Significant in-house experience within the pharmaceutical sector.
• Proven leadership and people management experience.
• Deep understanding of the drug lifecycle, as well as related regulatory and commercial frameworks.
• Experience working within a global, matrixed organisation. Skills & Personal Attributes
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and sound judgement.
• Excellent team leadership skills and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Highly collaborative and culturally aware; able to build trust quickly.
• Outstanding drafting, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, changing environment with resilience and adaptability. Why Apply?
• Shape and lead the legal function of a global, mission-driven pharmaceutical company.
• Work directly with executive leadership on strategic initiatives.
• Enjoy a hybrid working model and competitive package.
• Make a tangible impact on patient health worldwide. Note This role has a hybrid in-office policy: 3 days per week in-office. Offices are located in Central London and Basildon. The candidate must be able to travel to the Head office in Basildon once per week. Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role. Please note that your personal information will be treated in accordance with our Privacy Policy .