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- Tasks: Lead legal execution of complex divestments and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- Company: Join Novartis, a leader in reimagining medicine for better lives.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare while driving strategic impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in life sciences transactions and M&A deals.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to continuous improvement and excellence.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Office Location: London (The Westworks), United Kingdom
Hybrid (12 days per month on-site)
Please note that Novartis is unable to provide relocation support for this position. Therefore, please ensure that you already have full right to work in this location and that it is fully accessible for you.
Closing date for applications is 2 weeks from date of posting.
Join Novartis' Legal Divestments team as a Senior Legal Counsel, where you will lead the legal execution of complex, high impact divestments and partner closely with our Mergers and Acquisitions and Business Development & Licensing, and Strategy and Growth teams to shape the future of Novartis's portfolio and drive enterprise wide strategic impact.
Main Responsibilities:- Lead and independently manage the full legal workstream for complex, high-impact transactions, partnering closely with colleagues across M&A, BD&L, Strategy, and key functional and divisional teams.
- Shape deal direction by defining clear transaction objectives and driving project plans—from timelines and reporting to high-quality deliverables—through to execution.
- Own all legal aspects of transactions, including structuring, drafting, due diligence, signing, closing, and post-closing integration to ensure seamless end-to-end delivery.
- Take due diligence processes, engaging external counsel where needed, to identify and translate legal, regulatory, and deal risks into actionable mitigation strategies.
- Collaborate across M&A, BD&L, Strategy, and functional partners to ensure cross-functional due diligence is complete, aligned, and reflected in deal structure and terms.
- Draft, review, and negotiate transaction documents that balance commercial objectives, risk, legal requirements, and Novartis standards.
- Develop creative, pragmatic legal solutions in collaboration with tax, finance, People & Organisation, Compensation & Benefits, and external advisors to overcome deal challenges and accelerate progress.
- Provide clear, credible legal and commercial recommendations to M&A, BD&L, and senior leaders, influencing key decisions throughout the deal lifecycle.
- Support Investor Relations and Public Relations teams on transaction-related communications to ensure consistent and compliant external messaging.
- Ensure smooth handover and transition of completed transactions to functional, divisional, and integration/separation teams.
- Contribute to building a best-in-class Transactions Legal team, championing continuous improvement and excellence across Novartis Legal.
- Manage external legal counsel effectively, including scope setting, budget.
- A strong track record of leading complex transactional or divestment work (post-qualification) in a top law firm or in-house environment.
- Deep experience in life sciences transactions, including licensing, co-development, joint ventures, in- and out-licensing, and divestments.
- Significant hands-on experience drafting, negotiating and executing sophisticated M&A deals—public and private, buy-side and sell-side—as well as broader corporate transactions (e.g., joint ventures, equity or debt investments).
- Exposure to related commercial arrangements, such as supply or services agreements, is highly valued.
- Prior experience in the life sciences sector is essential; additional exposure to venture capital or digital/tech transactions is a strong plus.
- Demonstrated business acumen with the ability to operate, influence, and lead effectively in a highly matrixed global organisation.
Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives and our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world.
It is our associates that drive us each day to reach our ambitions. Be a part of this mission and join us.
Skills Desired:- Adaptability
- Business Acumen
- Critical Thinking
- Curiosity
- Decision Making
- Forward Planning
- Negotiation
- Persuasion
- Problem Solving
- Relationship Building
- Stakeholder Management
- Strategic Thinking
Senior Legal Counsel- Divestments in England employer: Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association
Contact Detail:
Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel- Divestments in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in divestments or M&A. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Novartis and its recent transactions. Show us you know your stuff by discussing how your experience aligns with their goals in the life sciences sector. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Legal Counsel, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to balance commercial objectives with legal requirements. Role-play scenarios with a friend to sharpen your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the Novartis team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel- Divestments in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Legal Counsel position. Highlight your experience in leading complex transactions and how it aligns with Novartis's goals. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on your hands-on experience with M&A deals and divestments. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure to emphasise your achievements in the life sciences sector.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Novartis.
How to prepare for a job interview at Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of complex transactions and divestments, especially in the life sciences sector. Be ready to discuss specific deals you've worked on and how you navigated challenges.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various teams like M&A and Business Development, prepare examples that highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Think about times when you influenced key decisions or drove project plans.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific legal challenges or deal structures. Practise articulating your thought process and the legal strategies you would employ to mitigate risks.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As you'll need to provide clear recommendations to senior leaders, practise summarising complex legal concepts in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and influence stakeholders.
