Legal Head Innovative Medicines (IM)

About the role

Novartis Spain is looking for a Legal Head Innovative Medicines (IM) to lead the Spain Legal team and act as a strategic partner to the Country Leadership Team and senior business leaders. The role shapes how legal enables business strategy in a highly regulated environment, supporting business priorities while protecting patients, Novartis and its reputation. It is based in Barcelona, Spain, and relocation support is not offered.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the legal strategy for Novartis Spain and contribute to the development and execution of country business strategy.
• Advise the Country President, Country Leadership Team and senior leaders on complex legal and business matters.
• Oversee legal support across regulatory, commercial, competition, data privacy, intellectual property, corporate and contracting matters.
• Lead and develop the Spain Legal team, setting clear priorities and fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture.
• Identify, assess and manage material legal risks, disputes, investigations and litigation across the Spanish business.
• Oversee corporate governance, statutory compliance and corporate housekeeping for Novartis legal entities in Spain.
• Partner with country, regional and global teams and contribute to Region Europe Legal priorities.

Required profile

• Degree in Spanish law and current professional qualification and good standing to practise law in Spain.
• Significant post-qualification legal experience, including advising senior business leaders on complex matters within a pharmaceutical in-house legal role.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing a legal team.
• Fluent Spanish and English, with strong communication and influencing skills in both languages.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of Spanish and European legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to the pharmaceutical industry.
• Ability to manage complex legal and business matters and lead cross-functional projects in a matrixed environment.
• Business law, stakeholder management and negotiation.

What we offer

• Expected annual base salary range of EUR 122,700 to 227,900, set according to skills, competencies and experience.
• Possible performance-based bonus and long-term equity awards, with further details during the application process.
• Flexible and hybrid working options where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.
• Insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs.