About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company dedicated to creating a healthier world through innovative therapeutics. For over 35 years, Gilead has pioneered treatments for critical diseases including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Headquartered in Foster City, California, the company operates in more than 35 countries across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, relentlessly advancing patient care in areas of unmet medical need. Gilead's portfolio includes groundbreaking antivirals like Biktarvy for HIV and transformative oncology drugs such as Yescarta for certain blood cancers. The company's commitment to collaboration, determination, and scientific innovation drives its mission to ensure global access to life-changing therapies.

Role Overview

The Senior Manager/Associate Director-Legal & Compliance role at Gilead Sciences' Tokyo office is a pivotal position for a junior to mid-level pharmaceutical lawyer. Reporting to the Head of Legal, this role serves as a core member of the legal department in a dynamic international biotechnology environment. You will handle diverse legal and compliance matters, acting as a strategic business partner to support Gilead's operations in Japan. This full-time position offers the chance to contribute to high-impact initiatives in a fast-paced setting, fostering compliance and enabling business growth in the biopharma sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and other legal documents, including due diligence on third-party vendors.
• Proactively identify legal issues, conduct research, and provide compliant solutions to internal stakeholders.
• Counsel business partners on legal and compliance matters, promoting a culture of compliance and teamwork.
• Ensure compliant interactions with healthcare professionals, government officials, and third parties.
• Develop and enforce compliance programs, including policies, training, monitoring, and auditing for promotional activities.
• Monitor pharmaceutical regulations, provide training, and coordinate with external counsel.
• Support data privacy compliance in collaboration with global teams and participate in industry committees.
• Investigate non-compliance cases and drive new compliance initiatives.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel in this role, candidates must demonstrate strong legal expertise in the biopharmaceutical industry. Required qualifications include:

• Fluency in written and spoken Japanese and English.
• Bar admission in Japan or a common law jurisdiction.
• Law degree from a Japanese university and an internationally recognized common law university.
• At least 4 years of relevant experience in private practice or in-house, with significant focus on compliance and transactions in biotech or pharma.
• Proven skills in drafting/negotiating legal documents, legal research, and cross-cultural collaboration.
• Ability to triage heavy workflows, think creatively, and exercise mature judgment in a fast-paced environment.

Ideal candidates thrive in resource-limited settings, coordinate across departments, headquarters in Foster City, and affiliates, while quickly mastering new subjects.

Benefits & Perks

Gilead Sciences offers a premium compensation package tailored to top talent in Japan's biopharma sector. While salary is not disclosed, estimates range from 18-35 million JPY annually, with a 5-10% buffer for performance upside. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs. Employees enjoy flexible work arrangements, generous paid time off, and family support initiatives. As a people leader, you'll access leadership development resources to empower teams and drive cultural evolution.

Career Growth

Gilead invests heavily in employee development, providing opportunities for advancement in legal, compliance, and business roles. This position offers exposure to global operations, enabling you to build expertise in international pharma regulations, oncology innovations, and HIV therapeutics. Mentoring from senior leaders, cross-functional projects, and participation in industry committees accelerate career progression. Gilead's focus on inclusion ensures every employee feels empowered to achieve aspirations in a supportive environment.

Why Join Gilead

Joining Gilead means contributing to therapies that transform lives, from HIV management to cutting-edge oncology and inflammatory disease treatments. Work in Tokyo's vibrant biotech hub, collaborating with diverse teams and headquarters experts. Gilead's bold ambitions create direct impact opportunities, backed by a collegial culture that values innovation, compliance, and work-life balance. Be part of a company fighting the world's biggest health challenges, where your legal acumen supports scientific breakthroughs and patient access worldwide.

Role FAQs

Q: What experience level is required?
A: 4+ years in pharma/biotech legal/compliance, including contract work.

Q: Is Japanese fluency mandatory?
A: Yes, along with English for global coordination.

Q: What diseases does Gilead target?
A: HIV, oncology, inflammatory diseases, viral hepatitis, and more.

Q: Is this a leadership role?
A: Yes, it emphasizes people leadership and strategic partnership.

Q: How does this role support compliance?
A: Through program enforcement, training, auditing, and regulatory monitoring.

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