Legal Counsel, Associate Director

Vertex Pharmaceuticals; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global biotechnology company is seeking an Associate Director (Legal Counsel) to provide strategic legal support in the CF disease area and other markets. The ideal candidate will have significant in-house legal experience, preferably within the life sciences sector. The position allows for a hybrid work model, offering flexibility in working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Significant in-house legal experience required.
• Experience in life sciences sector preferred.
• Fluency in English; additional languages advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic business and legal support to cross-functional teams.
• Review and approve commercial materials and activities.
• Draft and negotiate distribution and service agreements.

Skills

Legal judgment

Problem-solving

Inter-cultural awareness

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Qualified lawyer

Job description

Overview

The Associate Director (Legal Counsel) reports to the Regional Legal Lead for Northern Europe, Australia and Distributors (NEAD) and provides strategic business and legal support to cross‑functional teams in NEAD markets as well as the CF disease area on a broad range of corporate and commercial legal matters. The role may also support other markets and projects in International and globally as required. The role is based in Paddington (hybrid flex status).

Key Responsibilities

• Acting as a trusted resource and partner to country/functional leadership teams.
• Actively contributes to achieving the region's objectives and long-term strategic goals, effectively and efficiently managing risk and maximizing opportunities.
• Review and approval of commercial and non-commercial materials, activities and communication (including press releases, social media, patient support programs, market research, disease education, medical education) as well as strategic and tactical plans.
• Product related legal support at all stages of product life cycle, including product launch activities, promotional including digital activities, lifecycle and product portfolio management.
• Drafting and negotiation of distribution, wholesaler, and service agreements.
• Drafting and negotiation of price and reimbursement agreements including early access.
• Expansion into new geographies and establishment of new legal entities.
• Evaluation and due diligence of (distribution) partners.
• Life cycle management and loss of exclusivity.

Other responsibilities

• Drives culture of informed and balanced risk taking and designing and delivering client training on key legal issues in accordance with Legal training curriculum.
• Contributes to department and cross-functional governance and process improvement projects.
• Participates in other Legal & Compliance Department initiatives and effectively sharing information with regional and global colleagues within the Department.
• Efficient and effective use of external counsel.
• Partners effectively with the broader Legal, IP and Compliance teams based in the UK, US and internationally.

Professional Competencies

• Qualified lawyer with significant, relevant in-house legal experience.
• Experience of advising or working in the life sciences sector, preferably in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology or medical device companies in-house or in a law firm; both experiences will be an advantage.
• Experience working cross-culturally in an international, cross-border environment.
• Solid working knowledge of the laws, regulations and industry standards applicable to the area of responsibility including EFPIA codes.
• Fluency in English; additional European language skills will be an advantage.

Personal Qualities

• Highest ethical standards and very good legal judgment.
• Hands-on problem-solver with strong business acumen and common sense, who sees law as only one of many ways to find solutions and have the ability to question conventional approaches.
• Strong inter-cultural awareness.
• Very good communication and influencing skills, emotional intelligence and a service-oriented attitude.
• Ability to explain complex legal matters in a manner that non-lawyers will understand, the ability to present well, and the ability to build and maintain effective rapport with all colleagues.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and clients in parallel and provide clear, concise advice in a fast-paced work environment.
• Resilient with ability to manage demanding clients.
• Good judgment on when to escalate matters and when to seek manager support.
• Highly flexible and willing to support and work with different clients, functional areas and team members depending on demand.
• Proactive self-starter with strong project management skills, dependable but able to set boundaries.
• Committed to continuous learning and growth.
• A team-player who fosters a trusting and safe work environment.

Designation & Hybrid Work

• #LI-SG1
• #LI-Hybrid

Flex Designation

Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as: 1) Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or 2) On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex's Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person\'s race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at [e-mail]