At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global legal functions and provide strategic legal advice across multiple jurisdictions.
- Company: Join Orchard Therapeutics, a pioneering biotech company transforming lives through gene therapy.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and global operations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the life sciences sector while leading a dynamic legal team.
- Qualifications: UK or European qualified lawyer with extensive experience in life sciences and compliance.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 130000 € per year.
Location: London, UK / Hybrid
Orchard Therapeutics is a global biotechnology gene therapy company dedicated to transforming the lives of people affected by rare diseases through the development of innovative, potentially curative cell and gene therapies. Orchard has its global headquarters in London and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyowa Kirin, a Japan-based Global Specialty Pharmaceutical Company.
This senior legal leadership role is responsible for overseeing the company’s global legal, corporate governance, compliance, privacy, and risk management functions. The position serves as a key strategic advisor to the business, supporting commercial, clinical, regulatory, employment, intellectual property, and business development activities across multiple jurisdictions. The role also acts as Company Secretary to the Board of Directors and partners closely with internal stakeholders, external counsel, and parent-company teams to support the organization’s global operations and growth strategy.
The successful candidate will have significant experience of managing a global legal function within a life sciences company, with demonstrated expertise advising life sciences companies on commercial, clinical, R&D and compliance matters. The role requires a collaborative leader who can work effectively across all functions of an organization. This position is based at the company’s headquarters in London.
Key Elements and Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the global legal function, including internal team members, third party vendors and external legal counsel
- Partner cross-functionally across the organization and with parent-company stakeholders on legal, compliance, and governance matters
- Serve as Company Secretary to the Board of Directors, including coordinating Board materials, minutes, and resolutions.
- Oversee corporate governance filings for the company and global subsidiaries
- Lead and support execution of global Compliance, Risk and Privacy programs, including policy development, training, monitoring, incident management working in partnership with Kyowa Kirin’s Compliance & Risk, Privacy and Legal team to ensure efficiency and consistency
- Provide legal advice on:
- commercial and clinical matters, including contracting, supply chain, consents, reporting, etc.
- research and development matters, including licenses, IP, contracting, etc.
- Partner with global regulatory teams to forward programs in a compliant and effective manner and ensure alignment with evolving regulatory frameworks.
- Coordinate responses to all third-party disputes; Assess claims; understand risk tolerance; coordinate responses.
- Advise on employment documentation, worker classification for tax purposes and any related legal matters
- Advise and negotiate on business development and in-licensing and out-licensing transactions.
- Coordinate intellectual property portfolio with ultimate parent company.
- Provide legal support for facilities, laboratory operations and leases
Requirements
- UK or European qualified senior lawyer
- Broad legal knowledge and experience in a corporate setting advising on a range of legal topics, such as corporate, commercial contracting, data privacy, competition law, anti-bribery laws, and R&D
- Proven experience in leading and supporting compliance programs and initiatives
- Demonstrated experience working as a trusted advisor to Senior Management
- Proven experience leading and managing a global team.
- Experience working for a multi-jurisdictional life sciences company, preferably with operations in the UK, EU and US.
- Ability to operate effectively in a matrixed, global environment.
- Experience advising life sciences’ companies on commercial, clinical and research and development questions.
- Experience managing external counsel and legal budget
Skills & Abilities
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to operate and collaborate effectively across functions, cultures and leadership levels.
- Comfortable operating in fast-paced, innovative and highly regulated environments.
- Action-oriented, “hands on” and proactive, resilient, comfortable managing complexity, and focused on delivering solutions.
- Strong judgement and a practical and pragmatic approach to problem solving.
Head of Legal in London employer: Orchard Therapeutics
Orchard Therapeutics is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London, where innovation meets purpose. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, the company fosters a collaborative culture that empowers its team members to make a meaningful impact in the field of gene therapy. Employees benefit from a hybrid working model, competitive compensation, and the opportunity to work alongside industry leaders in a supportive and forward-thinking atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal and life sciences sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Orchard Therapeutics thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent developments in gene therapy. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Head of Legal role. Highlight your leadership skills and your ability to navigate complex legal landscapes in the life sciences sector.
✨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 serious about joining the team at Orchard Therapeutics. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Legal role. Highlight your experience in managing global legal functions and any specific achievements in the life sciences sector. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for the life sciences industry and how your skills can help us transform lives through innovative therapies.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior legal leader, we need to see your leadership style. Include examples of how you've successfully led teams and collaborated across functions. This will show us that you can thrive in our dynamic environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orchard Therapeutics
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of corporate governance, compliance, and risk management. Be ready to discuss specific legal frameworks relevant to life sciences, as well as any recent changes in regulations that could impact the company.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your experience in leading a global legal function. Think about times when you've successfully managed teams or collaborated across departments, and be ready to share how you navigated challenges in a multi-jurisdictional environment.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with Orchard Therapeutics' mission and recent developments in gene therapy. Being able to articulate how your legal expertise can support their goals will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think through potential legal issues the company might encounter and how you would approach them, especially in areas like compliance and intellectual property.
