Head of Legal & Compliance Pharmaceuticals DACH (m/f/d)

Head of Legal & Compliance Pharmaceuticals DACH

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Legal & Compliance to lead our legal and compliance function in the DACH cluster. As a key member of the local leadership team, you will ensure the company’s operations align with local and international laws and ethical standards. This is a high-impact role requiring a blend of legal expertise, compliance leadership, and business partnership

Key Responsibilities:

Legal:

• Serve as the primary legal advisor for the DACH affiliate, providing counsel on commercial, regulatory, corporate, labor, and data privacy matters.

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts (e.g., commercial agreements, clinical trial agreements, licensing, vendor and service contracts).

• Support strategic projects, including partnerships, product launches, and litigation matters.

• Manage relationships with external counsel and ensure cost-effective legal support.

• Provide legal training and education across the organization.

Compliance:

• Oversee and enhance the local compliance program, ensuring alignment with global policies and applicable Germany, Switzerland and Austria /EU regulations

• Monitor, assess, and report on compliance risks; drive proactive risk mitigation strategies.

• Lead internal investigations and manage compliance incident reporting and remediation.

• Serve as the local Compliance Officer, liaising with regulators and industry associations as needed.

• Champion a culture of integrity and compliance throughout the organization.

• Act as a trusted advisor to the Country Managing Director and local leadership team.

• Partner cross-functionally with medical, regulatory, commercial, and HR teams.

• Influence company strategy by integrating legal and compliance risk perspectives into business decision-making.

Qualifications:

• Qualified lawyer in Germany

• 7+ years of post-qualification legal experience, in the pharmaceutical or life sciences sector required

• Deep understanding of German and EU pharmaceutical laws, codes of practice (e.g., FSA/AKG), and compliance frameworks.

• Proven experience in a senior legal or compliance leadership role.

• Fluent in German and English.

• Strong leadership presence and excellent communication skills.

• Strategic mindset with the ability to navigate complex legal and regulatory issues.

• High ethical standards and integrity.

• Ability to balance risk management with pragmatic business support.

• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach.

What we offer:

• An opportunity to make a strategic impact in a growing and purpose-driven pharmaceutical company on the basis of a foundation.

• A dynamic, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

• Competitive compensation, bonus, and benefits package.

• Opportunities for international collaboration and development.