Legal Head Innovative Medicines (IM)

ES06 (FCRS = ES006) Novartis Farmacéutica, S.A.; Sabadell; Hybrid; EUR 123,000 - 228,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Global recognition programs

Hybrid working

Parental leave (14 weeks)

Job summary

Novartis Farmacéutica, S.A. in Barcelona is seeking a Legal Head of Innovative Medicines to lead the Spain Legal team and act as a strategic partner to the Country Leadership Team and senior business leaders.

You will provide practical legal advice in a highly regulated environment while protecting patients, Novartis and the company’s reputation. This role offers hybrid working and a path to influence country-wide decisions.

Qualifications

• Spanish law degree and licensure to practise in Spain.
• Significant post-qualification experience advising senior leaders in pharma.
• Strong knowledge of Spanish and EU pharma law and regulation.
• Proven experience leading a legal team in a matrix organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Spain Legal team and strategy.
• Advise the Country President and senior leaders on legal matters.
• Oversee regulatory, commercial, competition, data privacy, IP, and contracts.
• Identify, assess and manage material legal risks and disputes.
• Partner with country, regional and global teams on priorities.
• Ensure governance and compliance for Spain entities.

Skills

Spanish (fluent)

English (fluent)

Leadership

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Decision making

Change leadership

Education

Law degree (Spain)

Qualified to practise law in Spain

Job description

Salary Range: €122,700.00 - €227,900.00

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

• 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

Improving the lives of people living with disease takes more than innovative science. It takes a focus on the needs of people and a community committed to meeting them. It takes a team of people like you. Working together. Learning together. Thriving together. Discover how you can join us in changing people’s lives.