Associate Director - Assistant General Counsel
About Astellas:
At Astellas we are making treatments that matter to people. We are tackling the toughest health challenges putting the patient at the heart of every move we make. Our global vision for Patient Centricity is to support the development of innovative health solutions through a deep understanding of the patient experience. At Astellas, Patient Centricity isn’t a buzzword - it’s a guiding principle for action. We believe all staff have a role to play in creating a patient-centric culture and integrating an awareness of the patient into our everyday working practices, regardless of our role, team or division.
We have developed ground-breaking, innovative medicines in immunology, oncology and urology. Our medicines are extending and saving the lives of cancer patients, making transplantation possible and improving the quality of life for those living with conditions where needs are often overlooked.
We take a patient-focused approach that allows us to convert brilliant early science into treatments and solutions that directly improve and save patients’ lives. From lab to clinic to patient, we focus on the most promising science, empower the best talent to pursue it, and develop life-changing solutions alongside the best partners.
The Opportunity:
As an Associate Director - Assistant General Counsel, you are responsible for managing a wide range of complex legal and regulatory matters. Your role involves providing practical, timely, strategic, and high-quality legal and regulatory advice and counsel to various clients across the Astellas enterprise. Your primary focus will be on marketed products and pipeline compounds within Astellas’ global Oncology portfolio, as well as other strategic initiatives.
In this strategic position, you are accountable for balancing business opportunities with the associated legal and compliance risks in a complex and fast-evolving regulatory environment. Your objective is to minimize legal and regulatory exposure while protecting against reputational damage in an area of high potential liability. Additionally, you proactively identify and mitigate risks to the Company’s ability to achieve its corporate objectives as outlined in the Corporate Strategic Plan.
You will be part of an inclusive team that works to develop innovative therapies for patients.
Hybrid Working:
At Astellas, we recognize that our employees enjoy having a balance between their professional and home lives. We are proud of our hybrid approach which empowers you to have flexibility on whether to work from home or in the office.
Key Activities for this role:
* Providing robust legal, regulatory, and healthcare compliance support to Astellas functions and stakeholders, including Oncology Strategic Brand Marketing, Market Access, Public Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, Development, Corporate Communications, Policy & Government Affairs, and Ethics & Compliance. This includes delivering best-in-class legal advice aligned with pharmaceutical industry best practices, the company’s global legal strategy, and local/regional legal practices and requirements.
* Coordinating with Legal Regulatory lawyers responsible for global Oncology brands to ensure matters are addressed consistently across brands while aligning with global policies and practices. This also involves accommodating unique local or regional legal requirements as necessary.
* Staying updated on legal, regulatory, and enforcement-related developments affecting the pharmaceutical industry and providing timely updates to business clients. This may include coordinating with other leaders within the Legal function when appropriate.
* Representing the Legal department on various cross-functional committees to ensure legal perspectives are considered.
* Collaborating with a global team of highly skilled lawyers and other professionals across multiple jurisdictions to deliver timely, proactive, strategic, and high-quality legal advice.
Essential Knowledge & Experience:
* Extensive experience working in a law firm or the legal department of a pharmaceutical company.
* Deep understanding of legal issues affecting the pharmaceutical industry, including regulatory processes for prescription drugs, anti-kickback statutes, fraud and abuse regulations, anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, antitrust laws, and the EU AI Act. Additional expertise in pharmaceutical-specific areas, such as intellectual property, manufacturing, Research and Development (R&D), regulatory, and commercial elements. Proven experience in promotional material review, EMA-related matters, and compliance with the EFPIA Code.
* Exceptional ability to quickly grasp complex legal issues and demonstrate strong analytical problem-solving and decision-making skills. Capable of exercising sound judgment and delivering practical, constructive legal advice within a dynamic, fast-paced, and globally complex environment.
* Proven negotiation and communication skills, both oral and written. Skilled in explaining legal issues clearly and understandably. Builds trust and confidence through effective communication and strong interpersonal abilities.
* Strong commitment to integrity and professionalism, coupled with a demonstrated passion for excellence in all endeavors.
Education/Qualifications:
* MS Degree in Law or equivalent.
Additional Information:
* This is a permanent, full-time position.
* Position is based in Addlestone, UK.
* This position follows our hybrid working model. Role requires a blend of home and a minimum of 1 day per month in our UK office. Flexibility may be required in line with business needs. Candidates must be located within a commutable distance of the office.
What We Offer:
* A challenging and diversified job in an international setting.
* Opportunity and support for continuous development.
* Inspiring work climate.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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