For our client, we are looking for a Lead Counsel – Divestments & CMB to support the Global Manufacturing, Supply & Global Quality Legal (GMSGQ) team, with a focus on Divestments and Contract Manufacturing Business (CMB). This role involves providing strategic legal advice, leading M&A transactions, managing high-value and complex contracts, and contributing to global legal initiatives within the manufacturing and quality sector.
- Location: Zurich, Switzerland
- Contract Type: Temporary - Eight-month maternity leave replacement, (starting end of May / 1st of June 2025)
- Work Model: Hybrid (5 days per month in the office required) for people residing in Switzerland. (applicable conditions vary for cross-border workers – according to the law).
- Travel for work-related purposes for up to 20% of their working time
Key Responsibilities
- Provide legal advice on CMB and Divestments matters.
- Support M&A deal preparation and execution, including deal structuring, CIM and VDR management, drafting, and negotiating key agreements such as APA, SAPA, SPA, as well as manufacturing, tech transfer, and transitional services agreements.
- Identify contractual risks and manage potential disputes related to CMB partnerships.
- Collaborate with Tax, Regulatory, IP, IT, and Legal teams, particularly with the EUCAN BD Group.
- Oversee divestment cases, ensuring compliance with regulatory and business objectives, and efficiently manage external law firms.
- Develop standards and templates to support CMB & Divestments operations.
- Actively contribute to global legal networks and cross-functional initiatives within the manufacturing and quality legal sector.
Leadership & Decision-Making
- Independently manage assigned projects and tasks proactively.
- Develop legal strategies in alignment with business needs.
- Ensure business decisions are well-balanced with sound legal risk management.
- Effectively communicate with leadership teams, internal clients, and external partners.
Qualifications & Skills
- Fully qualified lawyer in the UK or at least one European jurisdiction, with 10+ years of post-qualification experience.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Strong expertise in civil and contract law, with a solid background in M&A and pharmaceutical agreements.
- Good understanding of technical manufacturing and cGMP regulations.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present convincingly and influence stakeholders.
- Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and a collaborative working style.
- Fluent in English (spoken and written); additional European languages are a plus.
- Flexible, pragmatic, and business-oriented with a proactive approach.
- Willingness to travel up to 20% under normal circumstances.
- Swiss or EU citizenship/work permit required.
Interested candidates? Apply now to be part of a dynamic global legal team!
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