Head of Legal, KSA

Job Title: Head of Legal

Job Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Career Level: F

ABOUT ASTRAZENECA

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

ROLE SUMMARY

At AstraZeneca we believe in the potential of our people and that you’ll develop beyond what you thought possible. We make the most of your skills and passion by actively supporting you to see what you can achieve no matter where you start with us.

The Head of Legal for AstraZeneca in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (“KSA”) will play a critical role in leading and managing the provision of legal advice in KSA – a key strategic market for AstraZeneca Middle East and Africa. This position is responsible for ensuring that all legal advice and projects are aligned with AstraZeneca’s legal and business objectives, and for providing strategic guidance to support the company’s operations in KSA.  The role is also envisaged to encompass certain additional regional Middle East and Africa responsibilities.

The role will be based in Riyadh, KSA.  The Head of Legal KSA is expected to have sufficient experience and judgment to work autonomously but will work under the functional direction and oversight of the Area Legal Director for Middle East and Africa. The Head of Legal KSA will need to provide skilled, objective, professional, business-focused legal advice

What you’ll do

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement strategic plans for legal projects in the Near East and MEA regions, ensuring alignment with AstraZeneca’s global legal strategies and business goals. 
• Project Management: Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of legal projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. 
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including business leaders, external partners, and regional legal teams to ensure successful project outcomes. 
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with regional operations, ensuring compliance with local and international laws and regulations. 
• Legal Advisory: Provide expert legal advice and support to internal stakeholders on matters related to strategic projects, including contracts, regulatory issues, and dispute resolution. 
• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of legal professionals, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous development. 
• Continuous Improvement: Drive process improvements and best practices within the legal function to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. 

Essential for the role

• Recognized law degree and be a qualified lawyer with at least 7 years of experience as a lawyer in a major law firm or an internal corporate counsel role with an international company (preferably in a regulated industry) 
• Expertise in Managing Commercial Legal Matters 
• Excellence in Managing Litigation and Investigations 
• Experience in Managing Corporate Risk 
• Strong business acumen 
• Proactivity/Team Skills 
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in Arabic and English 

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So, what’s next?

• Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.
• Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available and we hope it’s yours.

Where can I find out more?

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Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.