Legal Director

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.