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