Position Summary

Neogene is seeking an experienced Senior Director of Legal who will aid the General Counsel in a broad range of legal department responsibilities including, but not limited to contracts, employment, CMC and manufacturing, compliance, privacy, regulatory internal policies and internal and public communications. Responsible for providing clear legal advice and practical results-oriented, business-focused solutions enabling the business to achieve its objectives as a wholly owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca. The successful candidate will have significant depth of experience working for public or private companies, preferably in the biotechnology and/or biopharmaceutical industries. This role is based in Santa Monica, CA and reports directly to General Counsel.

Responsibilities

• Works closely with key stakeholders in the organization to review key business strategies and provide legal advice to multiple functions, including operations, clinical development, IT, research and development, tech ops, finance, HR and facilities.
• Drafts and negotiates a wide range of legal documents typical of a biotech or pharmaceutical organization, including master service agreements, supply agreements, materials transfer agreements, clinical trial agreements, license agreements, manufacturing agreements, confidentiality agreements, research collaborations with academic institutions, agreements with governmental entities, vendor agreements and other general business contracts.
• Advises internal clients on contract interpretation, dispute resolution and other legal risks associated with all aspects of the company's business.
• Assist with the development and implementation of company policies and procedures (as a wholly owned subsidiary and affiliate of AstraZeneca), and standard template language to be used in contracts.
• Advises internal clients on product supply chain, including manufacture.
• Participates in the selection and management of external legal counsel including cost effectiveness.
• Monitors regulatory and clinical activities for legal compliance.
• Ensures coordination with affiliate legal department and internal non-legal departments and directs the escalation of issues driving them to resolution.
• Develop and continually expands a thorough understanding of Neogene's current and planned business activities, programs, and keeps abreast of developing legal trends, laws and regulations.
• Provide support for company litigation as needed.
• Research unique legal issues impacting the organization and its business by identifying applicable statutes, judicial decisions, and codes.
• Provide training to company and its affiliates on substantive legal topics, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• JD degree and requisite active bar licensure, preferably in CA.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience required with at least 2 years as in-house counsel at a public or private company preferred.
• In-house counsel experience in the field of biotechnology/pharmaceutical research and development and its related FDA regulations is preferred.
• Experience representing public and/or private companies.
• Ability to understand and negotiate details and nuances of contract language.
• Broad knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework for the development, manufacture of biopharmaceutical products. Highly developed ability to write memos, correspondence, and procedures on legal matters and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with lawyers, management, affiliates, and business partners.
• Solid negotiating skills with excellent analytical abilities and sound judgment.
• Multi-tasking abilities necessary to ensure all aspects of legal work are proactively completed in a timely manner.
• Ability to work independently.
• Skilled at clearly conveying in-depth knowledge to all levels within, and outside of, the organization.
• Skilled at creating a cooperative team environment.
• Able to objectively evaluate situations and make recommendations for changes in light of overall project demands.
• Enthusiasm to work on a broad variety of legal matters and ability to manage and serve a wide range of departments within the company by recognizing and responding quickly and pragmatically to urgent situations.
• Ability to form strong working relationships with partners, affiliates and employees while maintaining firm adherence to proper legal standards.
• Ability to work independently, to prioritize to meet tight deadlines and adjust to workload fluctuations.
• Excellent business judgment and strategic thinking
• Strong negotiation and drafting skills, communication, administrative, and time management skills.
• Accountability and integrity.

Remote candidates residing in CA only are encouraged to apply.

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in Santa Monica, CA is $205,000 to $265,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc.

At Neogene we celebrate the diversity of our employees and our leadership. Neogene is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.