At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal strategy for a pioneering medical devices company across the UK, Ireland, and Nordics.
- Company: Join Johnson & Johnson, a leader in healthcare innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a chance to drive innovative legal solutions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while shaping ethical business practices.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with significant experience in regulated industries.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 £ per year.
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity.
As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.
DePuy Synthes is recruiting for a Director, UK/Ireland and Nordics, located in Leeds, United Kingdom. Johnson & Johnson announced plans to separate our Orthopedics business to establish a standalone orthopedics company, operating as DePuy Synthes. The process of the planned separation is anticipated to be completed within 18 to 24 months, subject to legal requirements, including consultation with works councils and other employee representative bodies, as may be required, regulatory approvals and other customary conditions and approvals. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that, following conclusion of the transaction, you would be an employee of DePuy Synthes and your employment would be governed by DePuy Synthes employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans. In that case, details of any planned changes would be provided to you by DePuy Synthes at an appropriate time and subject to any necessary consultation processes.
The Director, UK/Ireland and Nordics serves as the senior legal advisor for DePuy Synthes across UK/Ireland and Nordics region. This role provides legal and operational counsel to senior business leaders, enabling compliant growth, risk-informed decision-making, and sound commercial execution within a highly regulated medical devices environment. This role partners closely with commercial, supply chain, regulatory, and government affairs teams, and plays a critical role in managing risk, supporting complex transactions, and shaping ethical business practices in a highly regulated environment. The position acts as a trusted partner to UK/Ireland and Nordics leadership and collaborates with Privacy, Health Care Compliance and other functions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as the primary legal advisor for DePuy Synthes in UK/Ireland and Nordics regions, advising senior business and functional leaders on legal and compliance matters.
- Provide legal guidance on healthcare compliance, regulatory matters, advertising and promotion, product liability, legal disputes, and interactions with healthcare professionals and institutions.
- Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including distributor, customer, government, consulting and strategic alliance contracts.
- Identify, assess, and manage legal and compliance risks, developing practical mitigation strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Partner closely with regional Health Care Compliance and Privacy teams to ensure alignment with company policies and standards.
- Support investigations, disputes, regulatory inquiries and litigation matters in coordination with in-house and external counsel and manage legal spend.
- Monitor changes in local and regional laws affecting the medical devices industry in UK/Ireland and Nordics regions, proactively advising the business on implications.
- Support ethics, compliance training initiatives, and promote a strong culture of integrity across the region.
- Champion the transformation of legal service delivery through the effective use of AI, automation, digital platforms, and emerging technologies.
- Reimagine legal workflows and operating models to deliver legal services more efficiently to drive greater business value.
Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB or equivalent) required
- Qualified solicitor/barrister (UK or Ireland) required
- Advanced legal or business degree (LLM, MBA) preferred
Experience and Skills:
Required:
- Significant post-qualification experience (typically in the region of 10-12 years, though candidates with less experience who can demonstrate the requisite level of expertise are also encouraged to apply).
- Senior in-house or equivalent experience advising regulated industries.
- Strong knowledge of UK/Ireland and Nordics regions healthcare, regulatory, and commercial law.
- Strong negotiation, drafting and contract interpretation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to provide clear, commercially grounded and pragmatic legal advice to senior business leaders and cross-functional teams.
- Experience managing complex commercial contracts, legal risk mitigation, and external counsel.
- Demonstrated ability to lead strategic initiatives and drive organizational outcomes.
- Strong business acumen, judgment and integrity, with the adaptability to operate effectively in a complex, fast-evolving global organization, including comfort working through ambiguity and a demonstrated willingness to engage with innovative solutions, technology, and new ways of working.
Preferred:
- Experience in healthcare, medical devices, or highly regulated industries.
- Knowledge of compliance programs, corporate policies, and governance frameworks.
- Experience working in multinational or global organizations.
- Ability to influence external regulatory environments and industry discussions.
- Track record of mentoring and developing legal talent.
- Familiarity with cross-border legal operations and regional commercial strategies.
Other:
- Language requirements – English (fluency required)
- Travel – Approximately 10–20% across the UK, Ireland, and occasionally internationally
- Certifications – Active legal practicing certificate (preferred/required depending on jurisdiction)
- Valid driver’s license may be required
Required Skills:
- Business Agility
- Business Alignment
- Commercial Laws
- Compliance Management
- Consulting
- Corporate Governance
- Developing Others
- Dispute Resolution
- Inclusive Leadership
- Industry Analysis
- Lawyering
- Leadership
- Leading Change
- Legal Services
- Negotiation
- Representing
- Strategic Thinking
Legal Director, UK, Ireland & Nordics in Leeds employer: Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson in High Wycombe is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, competitive compensation, and a commitment to compliance excellence, making it a rewarding environment for those passionate about quality systems and regulatory standards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Director, UK, Ireland & Nordics in Leeds
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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We think you need these skills to ace Legal Director, UK, Ireland & Nordics in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Johnson & Johnson, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Johnson & Johnson and the specific role of Legal Director, UK, Ireland & Nordics. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Johnson & Johnson’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Johnson & Johnson
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Johnson & Johnson.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Johnson & Johnson.
