Legal Counsel

Planet Pharma; Oxford; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma in Oxford seeks an experienced Legal Counsel to shape practical legal solutions across intellectual property, commercial contracts and compliance within a growing pharmaceutical business. Reporting to the General Counsel and Company Secretary, you will collaborate with teams, advising on key initiatives while expanding breadth and influence in the role.

This role offers independent operation with cross-functional collaboration, supporting governance and regulatory matters, and

Qualifications

• Significant pharmaceutical sector experience advising on IP and commercial contracts.
• In-house or combined private practice background with pragmatic, business-focused counsel.
• Knowledge of FDA/EMA requirements and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong written and verbal communication, negotiation and relationship skills.
• Ability to work independently and across cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements, including licensing, clinical research, R&D, manufacturing, development, distribution, sales, rebate, confidentiality and consultancy agreements.
• Advise on intellectual property, data, confidentiality and other commercial matters.
• Provide proactive legal support for business initiatives and transactions.
• Develop and improve standard-form contracts, policies, procedures and guidance.
• Advise on promotional and non-promotional materials and related compliance matters.
• Support regulatory and compliance activities, including FDA, European Medicines Agency and anti-bribery requirements.
• Provide training and practical guidance on legal and compliance issues.
• Work with external counsel when appropriate and help drive matters through to completion.
• Support corporate governance and company secretarial matters, with scope to develop in these areas.

Skills

Pharmaceutical law

Commercial contracts

IP law

Regulatory compliance

Legal advice

Negotiation

Education

Qualified solicitor

Job description

Legal Counsel

Help shape practical legal solutions across intellectual property, commercial contracts and compliance in a fast-paced, growing pharmaceutical business. Reporting to the General Counsel and Company Secretary, you will work closely with teams across the organisation, advising on important initiatives while building breadth and influence in the role.

Overview

This is an opportunity for an experienced pharmaceutical lawyer to provide pragmatic, commercially focused advice across a varied portfolio of legal, compliance and governance matters. You will operate independently while collaborating with colleagues across functions and managing priorities in a changing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements, including licensing, clinical research, R&D, manufacturing, development, distribution, sales, rebate, confidentiality and consultancy agreements.
• Advise on intellectual property, data, confidentiality and other commercial matters.
• Provide proactive legal support for business initiatives and transactions.
• Develop and improve standard-form contracts, policies, procedures and guidance.
• Advise on promotional and non-promotional materials and related compliance matters.
• Support regulatory and compliance activities, including FDA, European Medicines Agency and anti-bribery requirements.
• Provide training and practical guidance on legal and compliance issues.
• Work with external counsel when appropriate and help drive matters through to completion.
• Support corporate governance and company secretarial matters, with scope to develop in these areas.

Must-Have

• Significant legal experience in the pharmaceutical sector, gained in-house, in private practice or a combination of both.
• Experience advising on intellectual property and commercial contracts.
• Knowledge of FDA and European Medicines Agency requirements.
• Strong written, verbal, organisational and relationship-building skills.
• Commercial judgement and the ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice while balancing risk and opportunity.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.

Nice-to-Have

• Experience in data privacy, pharmaceutical compliance or corporate governance.
• Knowledge of drug discovery, development, commercialisation and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in cross-functional or highly matrixed organisations.