Legal Head Innovative Medicines (Im)

Novartis AG; Barcelona; Hybrid; EUR 123,000 - 228,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Global recognition programs

Flexible and hybrid working

14 weeks parental leave

Job summary

Novartis AG in Barcelona is seeking a strategic Legal Head for Innovative Medicines to shape the country’s legal framework and partner with senior business leaders. You will steer regulatory, contracting, and governance activities, ensuring compliant risk-taking aligned with business goals.

The role requires an in-depth pharma legal background, leadership experience, and fluency in Spanish and English. The position supports hybrid work arrangements and relocations are not offered.

Qualifications

• Degree in Spanish law and current professional qualification to practise in Spain.
• Significant post-qualification legal experience advising senior leaders in a pharmaceutical in-house role.
• Strong knowledge of Spanish and EU regulatory frameworks relevant to the pharmaceutical industry.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing a legal team.
• Proven ability to manage complex legal and business matters in a matrixed environment.
• Fluent Spanish and English with strong communication and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the legal strategy for Novartis Spain and contribute to the development and execution of country business strategy.
• Advise the Country President, Country Leadership Team and senior leaders on complex legal and business matters.
• Oversee legal support across regulatory, commercial, competition, data privacy, IP, corporate and contracting matters.
• Lead and develop the Spain Legal team, setting clear priorities and fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture.
• Identify, assess and manage material legal risks, disputes, investigations and litigation across the Spanish business.
• Oversee corporate governance, statutory compliance and corporate housekeeping for Novartis legal entities in Spain.
• Partner across country, regional and global teams while contributing to Region Europe Legal priorities.

Skills

Fluent Spanish & English

Strong communication

Leadership & people development

Education

Spanish law degree & bar qualification

Job description

Salary Range:

€122,700.00 - €227,900.00

Band

Level 8

Job Description Summary

#LI-Hybrid
Location: Barcelona, Spain

Relocation Support: This role is based in Barcelona, Spain. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

This is an opportunity to shape how Legal enables business strategy at the heart of Novartis Spain. As Legal Head Innovative Medicines (IM), you will act as a strategic partner to the Country Leadership Team and senior business leaders, bringing practical, forward-looking legal advice to complex and sensitive decisions. You will lead the Spain Legal team, help the organization navigate a highly regulated environment and foster responsible, well-informed risk-taking that supports business priorities while protecting patients, Novartis and its reputation.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the legal strategy for Novartis Spain and contribute to the development and execution of country business strategy.
• Advise the Country President, Country Leadership Team and senior leaders on complex legal and business matters.
• Oversee legal support across regulatory, commercial, competition, data privacy, intellectual property, corporate and contracting matters.
• Lead and develop the Spain Legal team, setting clear priorities and fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture.
• Identify, assess and manage material legal risks, disputes, investigations and litigation across the Spanish business.
• Oversee corporate governance, statutory compliance and corporate housekeeping for Novartis legal entities in Spain.
• Partner across country, regional and global teams while contributing actively to Region Europe Legal priorities.

Essential Requirements

• Degree in Spanish law and current professional qualification and good standing to practise law in Spain.
• Significant post-qualification legal experience, including advising senior business leaders on complex matters within a pharmaceutical in house legal role.
• Strong knowledge of Spanish and European legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to the pharmaceutical industry.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing a legal team.
• Proven ability to manage complex legal and business matters and lead cross-functional projects in a matrixed environment.
• Fluent Spanish and English, with strong communication and influencing skills in both languages.

Benefits & Rewards

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role:EUR 122.700 - 227.900

The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.Long-term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package. Further details will be provided during the application process.

Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering:

https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Skills Desired

Adaptability, Business Acumen, Business Law, Change Leadership, Critical Thinking, Curious Mindset, Decision Making, Leadership Agility, Leadership Team Development, Leading by Influence, Legal Experience, Negotiation, Persuasion, Proactive Planning, Problem Solving, Relationship Building, Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Participation, Strategic Thinking, Strategy Development