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Legal Head Innovative Medicines (IM)

Hybrid in Barcelona·Full-time·Added 2 days ago (last checked 28 Oct)

Novartis

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Our summary

Salary: €122,700 - €227,900 a year
About €6,370 - €11,190 a month after tax, or €7,450 - €14,120 under the Beckham regime.
Work mode: Hybrid, Barcelona
Contract: Full-time
Spanish: Fluent
English: Required
Experience: Senior level
Education: University degree

Visa options

The ad rules out sponsorship
Per the ad: “Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.”

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Skills

Requirements

What we're looking for

Degree in Spanish law and current professional qualification and good standing to practise law in Spain.
Significant post-qualification legal experience, including advising senior business leaders on complex matters within a pharmaceutical in house legal role.
Strong knowledge of Spanish and European legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to the pharmaceutical industry.
Demonstrated experience leading and developing a legal team.
Proven ability to manage complex legal and business matters and lead cross-functional projects in a matrixed environment.
Fluent Spanish and English, with strong communication and influencing skills in both languages.

Nice to have

Adaptability, Business Acumen, Business Law, Change Leadership, Critical Thinking, Curious Mindset, Decision Making, Leadership Agility, Leadership Team Development, Leading by Influence, Legal Experience, Negotiation, Persuasion, Proactive Planning, Problem Solving, Relationship Building, Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Participation, Strategic Thinking, Strategy Development

Pay & benefits

What you'll get

€122,700.00 - €227,900.00

At Novartis, we're committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: EUR 122.700 - 227.900

The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Long-term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package. Further details will be provided during the application process.

Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering:

https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

The role

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Relocation Support: This role is based in Barcelona, Spain. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

This is an opportunity to shape how Legal enables business strategy at the heart of Novartis Spain. As Legal Head Innovative Medicines (IM), you will act as a strategic partner to the Country Leadership Team and senior business leaders, bringing practical, forward-looking legal advice to complex and sensitive decisions. You will lead the Spain Legal team, help the organization navigate a highly regulated environment and foster responsible, well-informed risk-taking that supports business priorities while protecting patients, Novartis and its reputation.

What you'll do

Lead the legal strategy for Novartis Spain and contribute to the development and execution of country business strategy.
Advise the Country President, Country Leadership Team and senior leaders on complex legal and business matters.
Oversee legal support across regulatory, commercial, competition, data privacy, intellectual property, corporate and contracting matters.
Lead and develop the Spain Legal team, setting clear priorities and fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture.
Identify, assess and manage material legal risks, disputes, investigations and litigation across the Spanish business.
Oversee corporate governance, statutory compliance and corporate housekeeping for Novartis legal entities in Spain.
Partner across country, regional and global teams while contributing actively to Region Europe Legal priorities.

About Novartis

Novartis is a global healthcare company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, operating across the pharmaceutical, generics, biosimilars, and eye care sectors. With over 100,000 employees worldwide and a presence in more than 140 countries, it is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, known for innovative medicines in areas such as oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and cardiovascular health.

In Spain, Novartis has a significant presence with offices in Barcelona and Madrid, employing a diverse workforce across clinical development, data science, IT, and audit functions. The company is a major employer of international talent, offering roles in English and fostering a multicultural, science-driven environment. For international professionals, Novartis provides structured career paths in clinical research and development, with opportunities to work on global projects from its Spanish hubs.

Industry: Pharma
Founded: 1796
Employees: 100,000–200,000
Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland
In Spain: Barcelona, Madrid

Good to know if you are moving

Novartis operates in English as its corporate language, making it accessible for international professionals without local language requirements.
The Barcelona office hosts a large hub for clinical development and global functions, offering roles in data science, clinical programming, and medical affairs.
Spain is a key market for Novartis, with a strong pipeline of clinical trials and digital health initiatives.
The company offers structured career paths and global mobility programs, allowing employees to move between countries and functions.
Novartis provides a comprehensive relocation package for international hires, including visa support and settling-in assistance.

In their own words

Additional information

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

All open roles at Novartis