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 capabilitiesStrong project management and facilitation skillsAdvanced negotiation and stakeholder engagement skillsStrategic and analytical thinking with sound business judgmentHigh 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 draftingUnderstanding of pharmaceutical/healthcare regulatory frameworksFamiliarity with industry codes (e.g., JPMA, IFPMA) and compliance standardsKnowledge of corporate governance, antitrust, and data privacy lawsFluency 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. preferredAdmission 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.

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