For our customer, a multinational based in Switzerland in the Zurich area, we are seeking, immediately or by arrangement, the General Counsel. The draft job description reads as follows:

Responsibilities:

• Manage the group’s Legal & Compliance function, and provide professional, pro-active advice and support to the Board of Directors, senior management and staff at the group’s head office and all local affiliates on a wide range of commercial and strategic legal issues
• Support the business strategy and operations, while acting as trusted advisor and value adding business partner
• Reporting to the CEO
• Provide cross-functional Legal & Compliance support
• Advise on M&A transactions, joint-ventures and other major contracts and projects
• Prepare, review and negotiate all types of contracts and other legally relevant documents, incl. relevant standards, templates and policies
• Support the Board and senior management regarding risk topics; risk assessment of contracts and projects
• Responsible for, and provide end-to-end advice on, corporate governance, corporate housekeeping and contract management, incl. Company Secretary with respect to assigned legal entities
• As Company Secretary, advise the Board members according to their roles as Directors and specifically the Chairman in all aspects of his tasks (Corporate Governance)
• Manage external claims, litigations and arbitrations, with a strategic approach to the underlying dispute
• Select, instruct and monitor external lawyers and other consultants
• Manage and support Legal & Compliance audits
• Develop, guide and train business leaders and relevant personnel group-wide on all relevant Legal & Compliance matters, e.g., in the fields of contract law, competition law and data protection law
• Provide ad hoc legal advice to the Board and senior management at the group’s head office and local affiliates
• Monitor legislation and jurisdiction that could affect the group’s operations, and propose and implement relevant action and policies to ensure compliance therewith
• Respect and uphold the group’s values and commitment

Requirements:

• Law degree from a continental European university and bar exam; LL.M., MBA or similar degrees would be a plus
• At least 10 years’ Swiss Legal & Compliance experience gained both in-house at an international pharma or other industry group, and at a renowned, international law firm advising multinational pharma or other industry clients; experience as Company Secretary at a Swiss company would be a plus
• Fluency in English (at least level C1); other languages like German or French would be a plus
• Ability to analyze business requirements from a Legal & Compliance perspective and transform into actions and guidelines
• Experience in planning and executing capital market and stock exchange transactions as well as M&A transactions
• Experience in corporate law, incl. establishment of legal entities, and competition law
• Experience in industrial-related Legal & Compliance trainings for management and staff
• Understanding of IP incl. patent law would be a plus
• Experience in the transformation/evolution of dynamically growing businesses would be a plus
• Proven track record in leadership and management skills; experience in the assessment and development of Legal & Compliance staff
• High personal integrity, distinctly entrepreneurial approach, used to work with confidential information
• Committed to avoid any reputation risks from a Legal & Compliance perspective
• Able to communicate and present in a clear and concise manner (orally and in writing)
• Down-to-earth character, solution-driven, goal-oriented and assertive with a diplomatic flair
• Proactive with a hands-on approach and a positive "can do” attitude
• Analytical and organizational skills; ability to handle various complex projects efficiently and simultaneously
• Interest and ability to build and manage effectively relationships (internally & externally)
• Interest and ability to work in an international setting with multi-disciplinary and cross-functional teams; strong awareness of cultural differences
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to create a common spirit within the Legal & Compliance teams in HQ as well as group-wide
• Ability to travel (approx. 20%)

Place of work: Zurich area