Legal Director

 Our client is a global pharmaceutical company, driven by science and focused on patients, operating in over 100 countries, with a strong presence in Brazil and Latin America.

Reporting to the local CEO and functionally to the LATAM Legal Director, this professional will lead all legal matters in Brazil, providing strategic counsel to senior leadership, ensuring compliance with local and global regulations, managing legal risks, and aligning the local legal function with the company’s global standards and objectives.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the legal function in Brazil, acting as a trusted advisor to the leadership team and business units.
• Oversee all legal activities across business units and practice areas in Brazil, ensuring cost-effective delivery models and alignment with global risk strategy.
• Provide expert legal support on product development and launch, including regulatory, promotional, and compliance aspects.
• Lead negotiations and draft complex commercial agreements, especially involving intellectual property, licensing, distribution, and collaboration.
• Advise on strategic transactions, including M&A, joint ventures, corporate restructurings, and business partnerships.
• Provide strategic legal counsel on labor and tax-related issues, including complex and high-value litigation.
• Ensure compliance with Brazilian laws and global regulations applicable to the pharmaceutical industry.
• Implement and enforce legal policies, procedures, and governance frameworks in line with corporate standards.
• Collaborate with global functions (Finance, HR, Procurement, Compliance, IT, Communications) to ensure integrated legal support.
• Contribute to global initiatives aimed at reducing G&A expenses, including legal process optimization and outsourcing strategies.
• Promote legal awareness and oversee training for business teams on relevant legal topics.
• Prepare and deliver legal reporting and strategic updates (e.g., RBU, QBRs, Risk Reports, Scorecards, CEO Board Reports).
• Ensure budget accountability, including annual planning and cost optimization.
• Participate in global legal leadership forums (e.g., SMT, IPLT).
• Handle strategic and high-priority legal projects as assigned by the Global General Counsel.

Candidate Profile

An outstanding opportunity for a senior legal executive with a strong academic background and a solid track record in leadership roles within multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences companies. The ideal candidate will bring deep in-house experience, business acumen, and a global mindset, with the ability to operate effectively in matrixed, cross-border environments.

Key Leadership & Behavioral Competencies

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior decision-makers.
• Strategic and solution-oriented, with sound judgment in high-impact scenarios.
• Thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous, and highly regulated environments.
• Data-driven and risk-aware decision-making, with strong focus on compliance and governance.
• Trusted partner with internal stakeholders, external counsel, and regulatory authorities. 
• Experienced in developing talent, leading high-performing legal teams, and fostering a collaborative culture.
• Broad understanding of the pharmaceutical value chain, including R&D, manufacturing, marketing, and compliance.
• Excellent communication, diplomacy, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Fluent English (written and spoken) is mandatory. Spanish will be considered a strong asset.