Role Overview
The Senior Legal Manager will serve as a trusted advisor to business colleagues, delivering strategic legal counsel across a wide range of commercial and corporate matters. The role requires a proactive, business-oriented mindset and the ability to independently manage complex legal issues while collaborating across global and local functions.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a strategic legal partner to business teams and corporate functions, aligning legal support with business priorities.
- Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a wide range of commercial agreements, including licensing, collaborations, and strategic partnerships.
- Support complex corporate transactions such as M&A, divestitures, and joint ventures.
- Provide legal guidance on business development and alliance management initiatives.
- Manage legal disputes, including litigation, arbitration, and regulatory investigations, in collaboration with external counsel.
- Deliver legal training programs to enhance legal compliance and awareness across the organization.
- Share knowledge and skills with team members and contribute to the development of Legal team capabilities.
- Monitor legal and regulatory developments, assess business impact, and advise stakeholders accordingly.
- Drive operational excellence by leveraging digital tools and legal technology to streamline workflows and enhance the visibility and strategic value of the Legal function across the organization.
- Represent the company in industry associations and external forums to influence policy and build strategic networks.
Candidate Profile
Behavioral Competencies
- Proven leadership and coaching capabilities
- Strong project management and facilitation skills
- Advanced negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills
- Strategic and analytical thinking with sound business judgment
- High emotional intelligence and cross-cultural communication skills
Technical Expertise
- Advanced legal expertise developed through extensive experience as a corporate legal counsel or attorney, with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- High standard of integrity, consistently demonstrating ethical judgment, transparency, and accountability in all legal and business matters.
- Proficiency in legal research and drafting
- Understanding of pharmaceutical/healthcare regulatory frameworks
- Familiarity with industry codes (e.g., JPMA, IFPMA) and compliance standards
- Knowledge of corporate governance, antitrust, and data privacy laws
- Fluency in Microsoft Officem, Gen AI and legal tech tools
Experience
- Minimum 7 years of post-qualified legal experience, including time in private practice and/or in-house roles in multinational companies.
- Experience in the pharmaceutical, life sciences, or healthcare sector is a plus.
- Proven track record in managing complex transactions and cross-border legal matters
Education / Certification
- Law degree from a reputable institution; JD or LL.M. preferred
- Admission to practice law in Japan is required; additional international qualifications are a plus
Language Proficiency
- Fluent in both Japanese and English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills in both languages
Work Location Assignment: Hybrid
Pfizer is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction in which it operates.
Legal Affairs