Job Overview
Location: Basel, Switzerland
We are a team of dedicated international lawyers united by our purpose to reimagine medicine for patients in need and driven to achieve together. As a member of the Legal Leadership Team for Commercial, Medical, and Value & Access in International at our Basel headquarters, 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.
About the Role
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.
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 both within and outside the CLS Legal Team, as appropriate.
- 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 to support evaluation and due diligence of business development and M&A opportunities. Lead the 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 and related content. Provide proactive legal counsel, identifying and addressing potential risks.
- Innovation: Drive innovation and actively contribute to new strategies supporting TA goals, emphasizing product launches and new engagement methods. Pursue calculated risk-taking in an unpredictable environment.
- Functional Exchange / Collaboration / People Development: Play an active role in strengthening the International, Regional, and Country Legal Functions and promote collaboration with Region and Country Legal teams.
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, both directly and indirectly.
- Exceptional negotiation and conflict management abilities.
- Fluency 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. The expected annual base salary range for this role is CHF 169,400 - 314,600. The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies, and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay-setting policy.
The rewards of being part of our team extend far beyond base pay and incentives. We offer a variety of competitive benefits, including insurance plans, retirement plans, well-being resources, and global recognition programs. Additionally, we provide flexible and hybrid working options and a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave.
In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus based on specific performance parameters. Long-term equity awards granted at the group level may also be part of your compensation package.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams that represent the patients and communities we serve.
Accessibility and Accommodation
Novartis is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations 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 individuals like you who collaborate, support, and inspire one another to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?
Application Process
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.