Legal Counsel Commercial Launch Strategy (CLS) International

Job Description Summary

#LI-Hybrid

Location: London, United Kingdom

Relocation Support: This role is based in London, United Kingdom. Novartis will not offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

We are building a new International Legal Hub in London—bringing together legal expertise, fresh thinking and global perspectives to help shape the future of our business.

Are you ready to shape how breakthrough medicines reach patients around the world? As Legal Counsel, Commercial Launch Strategy (CLS) International, you will partner with business leaders, providing trusted legal guidance that enables innovation, supports strategic decision-making, and helps deliver life-changing medicines to patients. This is a unique opportunity to work across diverse markets and functions in Novartis International, influence high-impact initiatives, and be part of a team that combines legal excellence with a passion for transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Legal Business Partnering – Provide timely, pragmatic advice to assigned Therapeutic Areas (TAs), Functions and international initiatives. Support the Head Legal Commercial, Medical and Value & Access for International on strategic projects, initiatives and cross-functional priorities, coordinating with Product Lawyers, Legal Centers of Excellence and other functions.
• Risk Management and Compliance – Partner with Ethics, Risk & Compliance, business and medical teams to identify, assess and mitigate legal and compliance risks. Support investigations and remediation activities as required.
• Contracts and Transactions – Draft, review, and negotiate commercial, development, medical, and access agreements. Support due diligence, business development activities, alliances, and integrations, working closely with the TA, the Transactions Team, and other relevant specialists.
• Materials and Communications Review – Advise on promotional materials, medical resources, congress content, public announcements, and investor materials. Coordinate with legal colleagues to support consistent, compliant positions across assets and markets.
• Innovation and Capability Building – Support innovative business models, launches and customer engagement with proportionate risk mitigation. Maintain current legal knowledge, contribute to training and help simplify ways of working.
• Alignment and Collaboration – Regularly update the Head Legal Commercial, Medical and Value & Access International on material matters. Collaborate with Global, Regional and Country Legal colleagues and other functions to ensure coordinated legal support.
• Governance and Functional Contribution – Participate in relevant TA and asset governance meetings as required. Contribute to Legal initiatives, knowledge sharing and capability building across International, Regional and Country teams.

Essential Requirements

• Qualified lawyer with experience across key areas affecting the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, including regulatory, commercial, and transactional matters, as well as data privacy, digital and social media, and AI.
• Experience advising business stakeholders in multinational pharmaceutical, healthcare, or life sciences organizations either in-house or private practice
• Ability to balance legal risk with business objectives.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Skills Desired

Adaptability, Business Acumen, Critical Thinking, Curious Mindset, Decision Making, Law, 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

Salary Range:

£82,180.00 - £152,620.00

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: 82.180 - 152.620 GBP

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.

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.

You’ll receive:

Competitive salary, Short term incentive bonus, Pension scheme, Share purchase scheme, Health insurance, 25 days annual leave, Flexible working arrangements, subsidized dining facilities, Employee recognition scheme, learning and development opportunities.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

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

Band

Level 5