Senior Legal Counsel, Corporate

Senior Legal Counsel, Corporate

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
GlaxoSmithKline

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide legal expertise on corporate governance and complex transactions in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Join GSK, a global biopharma leader dedicated to improving health worldwide.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working model, career development opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to transparency and respect.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on health by supporting innovative treatments and corporate strategies.
  • Qualifications: UK-qualified solicitor with experience in corporate law and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.

GSK remains committed to achieving bold commercial ambitions for the future. By 2031, we aim to deliver £40 billion in annual sales, leveraging our existing strong performance momentum to significantly increase our positive impact on the health of billions of patients globally. Our Ahead Together strategy is centred on early intervention to prevent and alter the course of disease, thereby protecting people and supporting healthcare systems.

Our diverse portfolio consists of vaccines, specialty medicines, and general medicines. Through continuous innovation and a dedicated focus on scientific and technical excellence, we strive to develop and launch new, groundbreaking treatments that address critical health challenges.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced corporate lawyer to take on a pivotal role at the centre of a UK and US listed company. Sitting within a high-performing and collaborative Legal function, you will serve as a legal expert on the company’s obligations as a listed entity, including governance, and investor and market disclosures. You will act as trusted counsel on the execution of strategically significant corporate transactions and provide legal support on the group’s equity investments. You will also provide legal support to many of the group’s corporate functions.

Responsibilities
  • Provide legal support on UK-listed company governance and public disclosure obligations, including external reporting, investor disclosures and other market-facing communications.
  • Lead the legal aspects of complex corporate transactions and investments, including M&A, joint ventures, bond issuances and share buy-backs, from initial structuring and due diligence through signing, closing and post-completion matters.
  • Coordinate the legal review of the Annual Report, Form 20-F, quarterly results and related filings, coordinating across functions and with external counsel to ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Provide legal support on corporate group governance matters, including the review of delegations of authority and corporate powers, ensuring changes to GSK group legal entities are compliant, and conducting legal review of documents before execution by authorised signatories.
  • Provide legal support on intra-group arrangements, including transfer pricing matters and the intra-group movement of goods, in collaboration with Finance and GSK trading entities.
  • Provide corporate law advice in relation to GSK’s equity investment portfolio, reviewing and approving investor-side documentation, supporting governance and information rights, and advising on ongoing portfolio company matters from a corporate law perspective.
  • Provide legal support to corporate-led programmes and corporate functions, including to Communications and Government Affairs.
  • Manage and improve legal processes, templates and know-how in your areas of accountability, with a focus on simplification and efficiency.
  • Act as legal reviewer and approver for designated corporate policies, providing advice on legal risk, consistency with applicable law and group governance standards, and supporting periodic reviews and updates.
  • Oversee external counsel on corporate matters, managing quality, cost and delivery.
  • Provide periodic legal support on a range of adjacent legal matters as required, including advising on the management of legal risks (particularly anti-bribery and corruption and related matters) and providing legal support on broader business development activities, in collaboration with specialist legal teams.
Qualifications/Skills

Basic Qualifications:

  • UK-qualified solicitor with significant & demonstrable post-qualification experience, ideally gained at a top-tier law firm and/or in-house within a UK-listed company environment.
  • Significant experience leading complex, high-value transactions.
  • Deep understanding of UK corporate law, particularly as it relates to publicly listed companies and intra-group arrangements.
  • Strong business acumen, with the ability to balance legal risk and commercial opportunity.
  • Proven ability to communicate complex legal issues with clarity and precision, delivering focused, actionable advice to senior leaders.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and align stakeholders to achieve strategic outcomes.
  • Proactive, detail-oriented and adaptable.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in the life sciences, pharmaceutical or healthcare sector or other regulated industry.
  • Knowledge of laws relevant to our business such as competition, advertising/communications, procurement, data privacy and anti-bribery.
  • Experience managing multi-jurisdictional matters and working with external counsel internationally.

Work Location: This role is based in the United Kingdom (GSK HQ, London) and offers a hybrid working model, combining on-site and remote work.

Closing Date for Applications: 27th May 2026

You will join a team that values respect, transparency and development. You will have access to learning and career development opportunities. You will work on meaningful matters that support the company mission to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

If this role matches your experience and ambitions, we would like to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a short cover letter that explains how you meet the basics of the role and what impact you hope to make. We welcome applications from people at different career stages and from all backgrounds.

GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.

We believe in an agile working culture for all our roles. If flexibility is important to you, we encourage you to explore with our hiring team what the opportunities are.

Senior Legal Counsel, Corporate employer: GlaxoSmithKline

GSK is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of respect, transparency, and continuous development, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the biopharma sector. With a hybrid working model based in London, employees benefit from a collaborative environment that prioritises career growth and innovation, while contributing to groundbreaking healthcare solutions that aim to improve the lives of billions globally.

GlaxoSmithKline

Contact Detail:

GlaxoSmithKline Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel, Corporate

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with corporate law. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of GSK and its corporate governance. Show us you understand our mission and how your skills can help us achieve our goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your relevant experience!

Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on our radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your understanding of the role and how you fit into our vision at GSK.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel, Corporate

UK-qualified solicitor
Corporate Law
M&A Transactions
Joint Ventures
Bond Issuances
Share Buy-backs
Regulatory Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your cover letter for the Senior Legal Counsel role. Highlight your relevant experience in corporate law and how it aligns with GSK's mission. This is your chance to show us why you're the perfect fit!

Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead complex transactions and provide legal support. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact – we love numbers!

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure that your communication is straightforward. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to complex legal issues.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at GlaxoSmithKline

Know Your Corporate Law Inside Out

As a Senior Legal Counsel, you’ll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of UK corporate law, especially regarding publicly listed companies. Brush up on the latest regulations and case law, and be ready to discuss how these impact GSK's operations and governance.

Showcase Your Transactional Experience

Prepare to talk about your experience with complex corporate transactions like M&A and joint ventures. Have specific examples ready that highlight your role in structuring deals, conducting due diligence, and navigating legal challenges. This will show you can handle the high-stakes environment at GSK.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

You’ll need to convey complex legal issues with clarity. Practice explaining intricate legal concepts in simple terms, as you’ll be advising senior leaders. This skill is crucial for ensuring everyone understands the legal implications of their decisions.

Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit

GSK values teamwork, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated across diverse teams in the past. Highlight instances where you aligned stakeholders to achieve strategic outcomes, showcasing your interpersonal skills and adaptability.