Head Legal CLS Operations, Launch and Customer Activation

Building the Future of Legal Strategy in a Global Innovation Hub

Join a unique initiative to establish an International Hub in London, United Kingdom, or Basel, Switzerland. This role offers the opportunity to lead a small team of lawyers and help build the legal capability of the hub from the ground up. As a trusted strategic partner, you will advise the AI Office, Data, Analytics and Platforms, related operational teams, Launch Excellence and Customer & Market Activation, Communications and Patient Advocacy, Business Integrations, and other senior decision-makers. Working across markets and at the forefront of innovation, you will anticipate and navigate complex legal and regulatory developments, enable bold and well-informed decisions, support compliant and sustainable growth, and protect and enhance the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal leadership and act as a trusted business partner to CLS Operations, AI Office, Launch Excellence, Customer and Market Activation, Communications, Patient Advocacy, and other stakeholders.
• Shape and manage the legal and regulatory risk landscape across international markets to support sound decision-making, compliant growth, and protection of the company's reputation.
• Deliver forward-looking, solution-oriented legal counsel enabling compliant innovation, responsible use of data and AI, and operational transformation across the pharmaceutical value chain.
• Partner with Ethics, Risk, and Compliance teams to identify, manage, and mitigate compliance risks, ensuring adherence to applicable regulations, industry codes, and company standards.
• Drive legal support for launch excellence, market activation, customer engagement, congress management, patient solutions, and new business models.
• Lead initiatives to simplify legal and business processes in International, including content creation and review, insights and HCP engagement processes, and country interface models.
• Support post-close integration of asset acquisitions and in-licenses, including advice on contractual and partnership matters.
• Build legal capabilities through training, guidance, collaboration, and leadership, strengthening knowledge across global, regional, and country legal teams.

Essential Requirements

• Law degree and admission to the bar.
• Substantial post-qualification experience, ideally gained in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry or at a top-tier law firm advising international pharmaceutical clients.
• Broad and practical knowledge of the legal issues shaping the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, including regulatory, commercial and transactional matters, data privacy, digital and social media, and AI.
• A proactive and confident mindset, with the ability to turn complexity and ambiguity into clear, pragmatic solutions alongside business partners.
• A strong track record of delivering high-quality work at pace in a dynamic, demanding and international environment.

Benefits and Rewards

The expected annual base salary range for this role is CHF 146,300 - CHF 271,700. The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies, and experience in accordance with the pay setting policy and will be reviewed periodically upon joining. The rewards of being part of the team go far beyond base pay and incentives, including a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, and global recognition programs. Flexible and hybrid working options are provided where possible, along with a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave. In addition to base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Long-term equity awards granted at the group level may also be part of the package.

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities served. The organization is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable.