Job Description

Job Title: Senior Legal Counsel - IP and Licensing
Department: Legal
Reports To: General Counsel
Direct Reports: None
Location: Hybrid/Remote (Some travel to Leeds office)
Company Overview
This role sits within a specialist pharmaceutical organisation focused on developing and supplying patient-centric medicines, particularly for individuals who have difficulty swallowing solid medications or require precise dosing alternatives. The company operates globally and is committed to innovation, quality, and inclusive healthcare solutions.
Role Purpose
To provide legal support across commercial contracts, patent advice, and licensing matters for business development and international sales teams, covering territories including the US, Canada, and EMEA.
Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements, particularly in-licensing, out-licensing, and development contracts.
• Act as the primary legal contact for patent litigation, IP licensing, and related matters.
• Support IP strategy development and implementation in collaboration with the General Counsel and R&D teams.
• Provide timely, pragmatic legal advice across jurisdictions, balancing legal risk with commercial priorities.
• Assist in shaping and evolving legal governance and approval processes.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks, updating templates, policies, and procedures as needed.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including data protection, competition, health and safety, anti-bribery, and modern slavery.
• Promote legal and compliance best practices across the business.
• Deliver legal training and briefings on legislative changes relevant to the pharmaceutical industry.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships and act as a legal business partner.
• Support and mentor team members as directed by the General Counsel.

Leadership & Governance

• Foster team engagement and collaboration.
• Share legal insights and best practices to improve performance.
• Operate within budget constraints.
• Ensure compliance with governance standards and internal approval processes.

Health & Safety

• Promote a culture of safety and ensure team members are trained and compliant with safety procedures.

Decision-Making Authority

• Responsibility Level: Moderate to High
• Decision-Making Authority: Moderate
• Deputising Authority: None

Required Competencies

• Extensive experience in cross-border licensing, development, and distribution contracts.
• Strong knowledge of commercial, corporate, and IP law.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical sector and working with external counsel.
• Proven ability to manage legal matters across multiple jurisdictions.

Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified UK lawyer with a minimum of 6 years PQE.
• At least 4 years of industry experience, preferably in pharmaceuticals.
• Experience in a Private Equity environment is desirable.

Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.
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Skills Required