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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.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare while driving strategic impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex transactions, particularly in life sciences, is essential.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team committed to continuous improvement and excellence.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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.
Essential Experience
- 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.
Why Novartis
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. How can we achieve this? With our people. It is our associates that drive us each day to reach our ambitions. Be a part of this mission and join us!
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 London 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 London
✨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 brushing up on your knowledge of recent divestments in the life sciences sector. Being able to discuss current trends and challenges will show you're not just another candidate but someone who's genuinely interested in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Legal Counsel, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to refine your approach and build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel- Divestments in London
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 our needs at Novartis.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Don’t just list your past roles; explain how your experience in life sciences transactions and M&A deals makes you a perfect fit for this role. We want to see your hands-on experience shine through!
Be Clear and Concise: When drafting your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to convey your achievements and skills, as we appreciate direct communication that gets to the point.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people and helps us streamline the process.
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. Familiarise yourself with recent M&A deals and be ready to discuss how you would approach similar situations at Novartis.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, prepare examples that highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Think about times when you’ve partnered with M&A, BD&L, or other departments to achieve a common goal.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific legal challenges or deal structures. Practice articulating your thought process and the steps you would take to mitigate risks while ensuring compliance with legal standards.
✨Demonstrate Business Acumen
Be ready to discuss how your legal expertise aligns with business objectives. Show that you understand the commercial implications of legal decisions and can provide strategic recommendations that drive value for the company.
