Executive Director/Vice President, Corporate Counsel

Coherus Oncology; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 290,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotechnology company located in Redwood City, CA is seeking an Executive Director/Vice President, Corporate Counsel to manage legal contracts and compliance. The ideal candidate will require a law degree, admission to the CA bar, and extensive legal experience, particularly in pharmaceuticals. This role involves drafting agreements, advising on legal risks, and collaborating with multiple business functions. The position offers a base salary of $290,000 to $350,000, with significant responsibilities in contract management and strategic legal advisory.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant legal experience as a practicing lawyer or in-house.
• 5+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry preferred.
• Ability to draft and explain complex legal contracts.

Responsibilities

• Manage contracting function and processes.
• Negotiate and draft agreements with various departments.
• Advise on legal risks and contract status.

Skills

Contract management

Legal negotiation

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Law degree from an ABA accredited law school

Admitted to CA bar or registered in‑house counsel

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Title: Executive Director/Vice President, Corporate Counsel

Reports to: Chief Legal Officer

Location: Redwood City, CA

Classification: Exempt

Overview

Coherus Oncology is a public, fully integrated commercial-stage innovative oncology company with an approved next-generation programmed death receptor-1 (“PD-1”) inhibitor, LOQTORZI® (toripalimab‑tpzi), and a pipeline that includes two mid‑stage clinical candidates targeting liver, head and neck, colorectal and other cancers.

Coheus is seeking a local, senior contracting attorney reporting to the Company’s Chief Legal Officer. This individual will have primary responsibility for managing the contracting function at Coherus, including negotiating and drafting contracts in collaboration with business partners and administering and improving the company’s contracting processes and procedures. The individual will work closely with the Chief Legal Officer; collaborate with strategic business partners in the CEO’s office, business development, supply chain, clinical development, medical affairs, commercial, and other functions; and will manage a paralegal and external resources as needed.

Responsibilities

• Primary responsibility for managing the contracting function at Coherus including administering and improving the company’s contracting processes and procedures
• Negotiate and draft agreements and licenses of all types in collaboration with a variety of Coherus functions, including clinical trial, manufacturing, supply, service, material transfer, scientific collaboration, business development, consulting, partnership and confidentiality agreements
• Advise on contract status, legal risks, and the legal liabilities associated with different transactions
• Participate as a proactive business partner to all Coherus functions and build a trusted advisor relationship with employees of all levels
• Exercise excellent legal judgment to provide pragmatic risk‑based counsel
• Partner with non‑attorney legal professionals and oversee administration of contract database (Cobblestone), including organization and supervision of all Company contracts
• Monitor Coherus and counterparty compliance with contracts
• Maintain and refine the company’s templates for contracts
• Develop and conduct trainings for Coherus employees on the legal aspects of contracts
• Research and anticipate unique legal issues that could impact the company
• Provide management with effective legal advice on business issues and company strategies
• Select and oversee the work of outside counsel
• Support due diligence for strategic transactions
• Support alliance management function
• Ensure the company operations in compliance with applicable laws and regulations
• Special projects and duties, as assigned
• Management of paralegal direct report
• On‑site three days/week

Qualifications

• Law degree from an ABA accredited law school.
• Admitted to CA bar in good standing or registered in‑house counsel.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant legal experience as a practicing lawyer with a well‑regarded law firm and/or in‑house department.
• A minimum of 5 years of pharmaceutical experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Ability to draft, edit and explain complex legal and business contracts and documents.
• Ability to communicate, orally and in writing, professionally, effectively and persuasively.
• Ability to think analytically, creatively and strategically.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work well under pressure.
• Strong teamwork, project management, and client service skills.
• Ability to independently juggle and prioritize multiple projects with cross‑functional stakeholders in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with all levels within the organization in a positive, collaborative manner.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment with knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry.
• Ability to identify problems or inefficiencies and independently offer/implement practical solutions through strong critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills.
• Demonstrated experience in handling confidential and sensitive situations or information with ability to exercise a high degree of judgment and discretion while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Highest regard for ethics and compliance.
• Administratively self‑sufficient with demonstrated skill using Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

The Base Salary Range for this position is $290,000 to $350,000. Coherus considers various factors, including professional background and work experience, when determining base pay. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary.

Coherus provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also prohibit discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of these characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of these characteristics.