Head Legal CLS Operations, Launch and Customer Activation

Salary Range:
£92,960.00 - £172,640.00

Job Description Summary
#LI-Hybrid

Location: London, United Kingdom or Basel, Switzerland (see separate requisition)

Relocation Support: This role is based in London, United Kingdom or Basel, Switzerland. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

We are building an International Hub in London — bringing together legal expertise, fresh thinking and global perspectives to help shape the future of our business.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a small team of lawyers and help build the legal capability of our International 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 Novartis.

Job Description

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 & Rewards

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: GBP 92.960 - GBP 172.640

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 and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer 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. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Long-term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package. Further details will be provided during the application process.

Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering:

https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

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

Skills Desired
Adaptability, Business Acumen, Business Law, Critical Thinking, Curious Mindset, Decision Making, Legal Acumen, Legal Communication, Legal Issues, Legal Research, Legal Risk Analysis, Legal Support, Legal Writing, Negotiation, Persuasion, Proactive Planning, Problem Solving, Relationship Building, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Thinking