Head - Legal Affairs

We are seeking a highly qualified and experienced Legal Head to lead and manage the legal function of our pharmaceutical organization. The incumbent will oversee all legal, regulatory, and compliance matters with a focus on civil, criminal, and corporate law. The role requires strategic leadership, risk mitigation, strong litigation management, and regulatory foresight specific to the pharmaceutical sector.

Role & responsibilities

1. Legal Strategy s Governance

• Define and execute the companys legal strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Serve as a legal advisor to senior leadership on key strategic matters.

2. Contract Management s Commercial Law

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, including manufacturing, distribution, licensing, marketing, and vendor agreements.
• Ensure compliance with domestic and international trade laws impacting pharmaceutical operations.

3. Litigation s Dispute Resolution

• Oversee and manage civil, criminal, and regulatory litigation involving the company.
• Liaise with external counsel for litigation strategy, court proceedings, and regulatory disputes.
• Represent the company in matters before courts, tribunals, and government authorities.
• Will be responsible for business litigation overseas as well.

4. Regulatory Compliance (Pharma-Specific)

• Ensure adherence to laws relating to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, DPCO, CDSCO regulations, and other pharma-sector mandates.
• Guide the regulatory affairs and quality teams on legal implications of drug approvals, labelling, marketing practices, and clinical trials.

6. Criminal Law s Internal Investigations

• Lead and advise on internal investigations, fraud, whistleblower cases, and criminal allegations.
• Interact with enforcement agencies, including police, ED, CBI, and drug authorities, where needed.

7. Intellectual Property (IP) Oversight

• Provide legal support on IP strategy, including trademarks, patents, and brand protection.
• Collaborate with IP counsel to handle infringement issues, patent filings, and brand disputes.

8. Team Management s Leadership

• Lead a team of in-house legal professionals and coordinate with external legal experts.
• Build legal awareness across departments through training and proactive support.

Preferred candidate profile

• Educational Qualification: LLB/LLM from a reputed university; specialization in Corporate or Criminal Law preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 20+ years of legal experience with at least 5 years in a leadership role, preferably within the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.
• Expertise: Strong command over civil, criminal, corporate, and pharma regulatory laws.
• Skills:

Proven experience in litigation management and legal risk assessment.

Excellent contract drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.

Strong ethical compass and ability to lead in a complex regulatory environment