Job ID: REQ-10084743
Date: July 31, 2026
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Summary
We are a team of dedicated international lawyers united by our purpose to reimagine medicine for patients in need and our drive to achieve together. As a member of the Legal Leadership Team for Commercial, Medical, and Value & Access in International at our Basel HQ, you will lead a team of lawyers, providing strategic legal counsel and serving as a trusted business partner to the Immunology and CRM Therapeutic Area (TA) Leadership Team, as well as leaders in Medical Affairs, Value & Access, Development, and other key decision makers across the organization.
Together with your team, you will oversee Therapeutic Area assets and related alliances across the Development and Commercialization continuum. By staying informed of the latest developments, you will advise on all critical legal and risk management issues that could influence both the immediate and long-term success and reputation of the business and Novartis.
About the Role
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Legal Counsel/Leadership: Serve as the lead legal advisor for the Therapeutic Area (TA) and its assets, overseeing all business-related legal matters. Proactively manage legal issues by working closely with your team and collaborating with Legal Centers of Excellence as appropriate. Provide strategic legal counsel on TA and asset strategies, brand plans, portfolio decisions, and related medical activities and engagements.
- Risk Management/Compliance/Training: Partner with the Ethics, Risk, and Compliance Function to proactively identify, manage, and train on potential legal and compliance risks. Ensure legal compliance with all government regulations and mandates.
- Agreements/Commercial Contracts: Provide legal counsel and risk management for all contracts supporting TA activities. Lead the drafting and negotiation of various types of complex research, development, and commercial contracts.
- Business Development/M&A/Integrations: Partner with the Transactions Team and support evaluation and due diligence of business development and M&A opportunities. Lead legal issue management for all third-party relationships related to the TA and its assets.
- Regulatory/Promotional Materials Review/Claims Management: Collaborate with commercial, regulatory, and medical teams to ensure the timely review of all promotional materials. Provide proactive legal counsel and coordinate with other legal associates supporting the brand.
- Innovation: Drive innovation and actively contribute to new strategies supporting TA goals with significant emphasis on product launches and new methods of customer engagement. Lead the team through complexity and pursue calculated risk-taking with appropriate contingency planning.
- Functional Exchange/Collaboration/People Development: Play an active role in strengthening the International, Regional, and Country Legal Functions by leading initiatives that build departmental knowledge and capabilities. Promote collaboration and effective information exchange.
Essential Requirements:
- Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree, along with a prior (Prof.) Bachelor's degree.
- 10+ years of experience providing legal counsel within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with a strong track record in product launches.
- Comprehensive knowledge of legal issues relevant to the pharma/biotech sector, including regulatory, commercial, development, medical, AI/digital/social media, and data privacy matters.
- Proven transactional experience in BD&L/M&A and integrations is a plus.
- Demonstrated people leadership in managing, developing, and coaching teams.
- Exceptional negotiation and conflict management abilities.
- Fluent in both written and spoken English.
Benefits & Rewards
At Novartis, we are committed to reimagining medicine together—and rewarding the people who make it happen. Expected Annual Base Salary Range for the role: CHF 169,400 - 314,600. The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies, and experience.
The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We offer a variety of competitive benefits to help you thrive personally and professionally, including insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, and global recognition programs. Additionally, we provide flexible working options, where possible, and a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave.
In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on specific performance parameters. Long-term equity awards granted at the group level may also be part of your package.
For additional details, please refer to our global total rewards offering brochure: Novartis Life Handbook.
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.
Accessibility and Accommodation
Novartis is dedicated to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Why Novartis?
Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It requires a community of smart, passionate people like you, collaborating and inspiring each other to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? Visit Novartis People and Culture.
Application Process
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.