Senior Director, R&D Legal

Zealand Pharma; Søborg; On-site; DKK 1.000.000 - 1.250.000; Full time

Job summary

A biotechnology company in Denmark is seeking a Senior Director for R&D Legal. This role involves leading a team, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing legal affairs related to partnerships and company growth. The ideal candidate will possess a law degree and have at least 7 years of experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical industries. This full-time position offers the opportunity to impact life-changing treatments worldwide.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in a legal role.
• Proven track record in R&D management and/or business development.
• Strong understanding of biotech regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of legal professionals.
• Provide expert legal guidance focused on regulatory compliance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex agreements.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Contract negotiation

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Law degree; admission to practice law

Job description

Overview

We are looking for an inspiring leader to join our Legal division and enable the business to bring life-changing treatments to patients worldwide. You will play a critical role in shaping the strategic direction of the company, overseeing legal affairs, guiding research and development initiatives, and driving business development to ensure growth and regulatory compliance. You will lead a team of legal professionals and report to the General Counsel.

Senior Director, R&D Legal at Zealand Pharma

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of legal professionals, fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and business-oriented legal function.
• Provide expert legal guidance across the organization with a focus on regulatory compliance, contracts, and corporate governance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex agreements related to partnerships, licensing, collaborations, and M&A.
• Support R&D initiatives by aligning legal strategies with scientific and business objectives, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Facilitate and manage strategic partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and external collaborators to advance innovation.
• Identify and assess new business opportunities, including strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions, to contribute to growth.
• Lead negotiations with external stakeholders to secure value-creating deals and collaborations.
• Monitor industry trends and legal developments to inform strategic planning, risk mitigation, and business decisions.

Qualifications

• Law degree; admission to practice law in relevant jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in a legal role within the biotech or pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven track record in R&D management and/or business development.
• Strong understanding of biotech industry regulations, research and clinical development challenges, and contract negotiation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

About Zealand Pharma

Zealand Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ZEAL) is a biotechnology company focused on discovery and development of peptide-based medicines. The company collaborates with multiple pharma partners and has products in the market and in late-stage development. Zealand Pharma was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Legal and Management

Interested candidates are invited to apply by 10 September. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. For more information, contact Senior Vice President, General Counsel Steven Turkington-Hansen at [e-mail].