Head Strategic Partnering, Legal Operations

Lead Legal Excellence and Drive Transformation Across Global Operations at Novartis

Become the strategic legal partner for the global real estate function (REFFs), External Supply Organization (ESO), and Contract Manufacturing Business (CMO) and to be the partner within Operations to the BD&L legal team —delivering impactful legal guidance, shaping business strategy, and championing transformation projects on a global scale. Take ownership of high-stakes negotiations, oversee complex transactions, and resolve disputes with a proactive, business-minded approach.

Major Accountabilities:

• Shape and execute the legal strategy for ESO and CMO, driving business growth and supporting high-impact M&A and BD&L transactions.
• Deliver proactive, expert legal advice on global matters, guiding the organization and its network of external manufacturers.
• Collaborate as a trusted business partner with project stakeholders, ensuring seamless teamwork and project success.
• Act as the key contact for the Global Head of REFFs, working closely with in-country lawyers and regional teams on strategic initiatives.
• Represent Operations Legal on the Group Transactions Legal Leadership Team, influencing decisions at the highest level.
• Resolve disputes, arbitration, and litigation, providing robust legal and risk assessments to support confident management decisions.
• Develop and advise on Novartis policies for contract manufacturing, ensuring compliance and best practices.
• Champion the creation and rollout of standardized agreements, training, and harmonized processes for greater efficiency.
• Manage the legal transactions budget and oversee relationships with external law firms

Required Experience:

Essential:

• Proven legal expertise, ideally within the healthcare or pharmaceutical sector, or from a top-tier law firm.
• Demonstrated experience in direct line management, overseeing teams and driving performance.
• Skilled at setting priorities and managing a diverse workload under tight deadlines, often juggling multiple projects.
• Collaborative team player with outstanding communication skills and a track record of working successfully in cross-functional environments.
• Good knowledge of regulatory framework relating to pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution
• Ability to analyse complex legal issues, lead high-level contract negotiations, and coordinate with legal and cross-functional teams.
• Exceptional drafting skills and a talent for breaking down complex legal matters. Strong communicator, able to influence and negotiate effectively.

Desirable:

• Experience with complex M&A transactions, Contract Manufacturing transactions and other complex transactions is highly valued.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

We are committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams' representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Accessibility and accommodation:

Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in any order to receive more detailed information about essential functions of a position, please send an email to inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Skills Desired:

Business Partners, Customer Service, Diversity And Inclusion, Employee Recruitment, Human Resources (HR), Human Resources Management, Law (Legal System), Leadership, Legal Advice, Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), Microsoft Office, Negotiation Skills, Property Law, Senior Management