The Legal Director (50% part-time) will work closely with the UK & Ireland leadership teams. You will serve as a trusted advisor, combining legal expertise with commercial awareness to support business objectives and manage legal risks across local operations.
Key Responsibilities
* Local Legal Oversight: Partner with country leadership to identify, assess, and resolve legal matters arising in UK & Ireland operations.
* Contract Drafting & Negotiation: Prepare, review, and negotiate a variety of agreements, such as supplier contracts, distribution/licensing deals, collaborations, and service agreements.
* Compliance & Marketing Law Advice: Provide guidance on compliance topics (e.g., competition law, promotional and marketing regulations in healthcare), support governance processes, and deliver internal training on legal and compliance matters when needed.
* Business Development Support: Advise on new projects, partnerships, and strategic initiatives, especially those with cross-border elements, ensuring legal considerations are integrated early.
* Intellectual Property & Privacy Coordination: Work alongside IP and data privacy specialists to protect assets and ensure data-handling practices meet regulatory requirements.
* Regulatory Matters: Consult on regulatory issues relevant to life sciences operations, collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure adherence to applicable laws and guidelines.
* Dispute Resolution & Litigation Management: Oversee disputes or potential litigation, engage and supervise external counsel as required, and manage related budgets.
* External Counsel Management: Select, instruct, and monitor law firms or external advisors; track costs and performance to ensure efficient outcomes.
* Cross-Jurisdiction Collaboration: Contribute to international projects, liaising with colleagues in other markets to align strategies and mitigate risks consistently.
* Training & Knowledge Sharing: Stay abreast of legal developments in the life sciences sector; prepare and deliver briefings or training sessions for internal stakeholders on emerging legal topics.
Qualifications & Skills
* UK Legal Qualification: Admitted to practice law in the UK.
* Industry Experience: Minimum five years’ legal experience within the life sciences or pharmaceutical industry. Prior private practice experience with life sciences clients is a plus but not mandatory.
* Commercial Mindset: Able to balance legal risk management with commercial objectives; provide practical, business-focused advice.
* Cross-Jurisdiction Exposure: Comfortable handling matters with international reach and collaborating effectively with global teams.
* Communication: Excellent English language skills; ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal stakeholders.
* Independence & Drive: Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize and manage workload in a part-time capacity; proactive in identifying legal issues and solutions.
* Integrity & Judgment: High ethical standards, confidentiality, and sound decision-making.
* Adaptability & Teamwork: Flexible in a dynamic environment; able to work collaboratively across functions and contribute positively to a supportive culture.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
* Impactful Role: Play a key part in supporting a growing international pharmaceutical business, influencing legal strategy and safeguarding business interests in the UK & Ireland.
* Part-Time Flexibility: A 50% role providing work–life balance while engaging in meaningful, high-impact legal work.
* Collaborative Environment: Join a diverse, supportive team where your insights and contributions are valued.
* Global Perspective: Engage with cross-border projects and international legal colleagues, gaining exposure to varied legal and business practices.
* Professional Growth: Opportunities for ongoing learning, skill development, and career advancement within a dynamic industry.
* Competitive Package: Market-aligned compensation and benefits reflecting part-time status and responsibilities.
* Inclusive Culture: The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring a respectful and equitable workplace for all employees.