Head of Legal, Compliance, Privacy & Risk

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections,  where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

Roche Pharma in Johannesburg has a vacancy for a Head of Legal, Compliance, Privacy & Risk.

Are you a legal expert with sharp analytical thinking, a passion for compliance, and an impeccable sense of integrity? We are looking for you to join our dynamic team! This pivotal role supports our company’s operations by managing risk, compliance, and legal strategies in alignment with Roche corporate standards and legislation. You’ll be instrumental in ensuring the protection of the company’s legal interests while driving our vision of excellence.

As our Legal, Compliance, Privacy, Risk Lead, you will:

• Shape and drive both strategic and operational plans for the Legal and Compliance function.

• Oversee legal, compliance, and risk management with a focus on corporate governance and adherence to legislation.

• Contribute to the broader organizational strategy while managing transformation initiatives and organizational opportunities.

• Act as the company secretary, supporting board activities, maintaining corporate records, and aligning policy implementation with international best practices.

• Serve as a data privacy officer, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations such as POPIA and PAIA, while managing related compliance risks.

• Strategic Leadership: Develop long-term legal and compliance strategies that align with the company’s vision and ensure effective implementation with measurable outcomes.

• Risk Management: Proactively manage affiliate and healthcare risk frameworks, minimize legal exposure, and safeguard organizational interests.

• Governance Expertise: Offer advisory support on legal disputes, audits, and board-level decision-making while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.

• Driving Transformation: Proactively address compliance gaps, build robust legal templates, and provide world-class training on legal and compliance matters.

• Operational Efficiency: Track performance, implement corrective actions, and ensure every decision is aligned with financial commitments and strategic priorities.

• People Leadership: Inspire, manage, and mentor a high-performing team, fostering personal and professional growth among team members.

You are a seasoned legal professional known for your strategic foresight, solid understanding of legislation, and deep commitment to integrity and compliance. Specifically, you bring:

Qualifications & Experience:

• An LLB or equivalent degree and admitted Attorney or Advocate.

• 10+ years of legal commercial experience in corporate environments (Multinational experience, within the Pharmaceutical/Medical industries is essential).

• 3-5 years of executive management and/or board experience.

• Expertise in the Companies Act, Labour Legislation, Data Protection Laws (POPIA/PAIA), and general contracting. Pharmaceutical or Competition Law experience is a bonus.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Exceptional analytical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail.

• Strong leadership, resource management, and relationship-building skills.

• Effective verbal and written communication tailored to multiple levels of stakeholders.

• A proactive approach to policy adaptation and governance, enabling innovative solutions to complex challenges.

• High levels of political savvy and situational responsiveness, ensuring success in dynamic and regulated environments.

Required Mindset:

• You demonstrate integrity, maturity, and self-management.

• You are passionate about developing teams, driving collaboration, and advancing organizational health.

• You approach challenges with curiosity, resilience, and a relentless focus on solutions that align with the company’s mission.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally as needed.

Why Join Us?

This is more than just a legal and compliance role – it’s an opportunity to shape the future of a progressive, globally recognized organization. You will be empowered to make impactful decisions, supported by exceptional colleagues, in a collaborative environment where integrity meets innovation.

If this speaks to your expertise and passion, we want to hear from you! Let’s shape the future together.

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let’s build a healthier future, together.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.