Busy Firms, Bigger In-House Teams?
Sustained growth at the big firms is a sign in-house teams are stretched, and stretched teams eventually get bigger.
Senior Legal Counsel – Pharmaceutical Company
I'm interestedSUMMARY
An experienced Senior Legal Counsel is sought for a 6–12 month in-house contract with a global pharmaceutical organisation based in Sydney. Supporting the business across Australia, New Zealand and the broader APAC region, this role focuses on commercial contracts, distribution, procurement and supply chain arrangements.
You will work closely with business stakeholders to deliver practical legal advice across a range of commercial and regulatory matters in a hybrid working environment supporting the business across the APAC region.
THE COMPANY
This organisation is a global pharmaceutical company supporting the delivery of medicines throughout the healthcare sector. As part of a large international organisation, the business combines strong global governance with regional commercial operations.
The APAC legal function plays a key role in advising the business on commercial contracts, supply chain arrangements, regulatory obligations and legal risk, partnering closely with operational and commercial teams across Australia, New Zealand and the wider APAC region.
THE ROLE
Reporting into the regional legal function, this Senior Legal Counsel position will provide day-to-day in-house legal support to the organisation’s commercial operations across Australia, New Zealand and APAC.
You will advise on a broad range of commercial and contractual matters supporting the distribution and supply of pharmaceutical products across the region.
Key responsibilities include:
• Providing commercial legal advice on supply, distribution and procurement arrangements
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts supporting pharmaceutical distribution and supply chains
• Advising stakeholders on Australian Consumer Law, healthcare regulatory issues and legal risk
• Supporting regional initiatives with stakeholders across Australia, New Zealand and APAC
• Assisting with contractual risk management, governance requirements and policy compliance
• Engaging with other legal team members within the global legal function and external counsel where specialist advice is required
This is a hands-on in-house legal role offering strong exposure to commercial operations within a globally connected healthcare organisation.
ABOUT YOU
You are a commercially minded qualified lawyer with strong experience advising businesses on commercial contracts and regulatory matters, ideally within a fast-moving in-house environment.
You will likely bring:
• 8+ years’ PQE gained in a combination of private practice and in-house experience
• Strong experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, including distribution, supply and procurement agreements
• A solid understanding of Australian Consumer Law and commercial risk management
• Experience supporting business operations across multiple jurisdictions within a global organisation
• Previous involvement with the pharmaceutical, healthcare, biotech or FMCG sectors (advantageous)
• The ability to deliver clear, practical legal advice to business stakeholders across regional markets
ON OFFER
• 6–12 month contract opportunity as a Senior Legal Counsel
• Hybrid working model – typically 3 days in the office and 2 days from home
• Based in Sydney with modern offices
• Opportunity to work within a global pharmaceutical organisation supporting regional operations
• Involvement with APAC commercial and operational legal matters
• Full-time role, with potential flexibility for a 4-day working week for the right candidate
• Competitive remuneration package based on experience
WHY APPLY?
This opportunity will appeal to lawyers who want:
• A senior in-house Legal Counsel role within a global organisation
• Broad exposure to commercial contracts, supply chain and procurement matters
• Regional experience supporting Australia, New Zealand and APAC operations
• A hands-on role partnering with business teams on commercial and legal risk
• A well-structured hybrid working environment within an established business
• A high-impact opportunity within the healthcare and life sciences sector
NEXT STEPS
This role is moving quickly. If this opportunity is of interest, please apply via SEEK.
For a confidential discussion, contact Charlie Smirl at Dovetail Legal Recruitment.
