At Astellas we are making treatments that matter to people We are tackling the toughest health challenges putting the patient at the heart of every move we make. We have developed ground-breaking, innovative medicines in immunology, oncology and urology. Our medicines are extending and saving the lives of cancer patients, making transplantation possible and improving the quality of life for those living with conditions where needs are often overlooked. We take a patient-focused approach, that allows us to convert brilliant early science into treatments and solutions that directly improve and save patients’ lives. From lab to clinic to patient, we focus on the most promising science, empower the best talent to pursue it, and develop life-changing solutions alongside the best partners.

About This Job

Working as the Legal Employment Lead within the Global Litigation and Employment team the incumbent will be responsible for heading up the employment law function in the Division, including providing practical, timely, strategic, and high-quality legal advice and counsel to a broad spectrum of clients within the Division, and in collaboration with the Legal Employment Leads for the Other Commercial Divisions, across the entirety of Astellas’ global enterprise.

This is a highly strategic position and is accountable for managing the employment risks in the Division as well as supporting the Other Commercial Divisions, which represents on an enterprise-wide basis more than 18,000 employees globally. This position must address a myriad of employment issues in a complex and fast-evolving legal environment, and must do so in a manner that minimizes exposure and reputational damage in an area of high potential liability and risk to the Company’s operations and success.

Essential Knowledge & Experience

The successful individual will be a highly experienced employment law attorney within a global organisation bringing with them proven expertise leading or partnering with attorneys around the world to provide legal support on employment matters arising or involving employees within the Division, in addition to providing secondary legal support for employment matters arising or involving employees within Japan, the U.S., International Commercial, and Greater China Divisions (collectively, the “Other Commercial Divisions”).  As well as work closely, collaborating and coordinating with  other members of the Legal Department.

Skills & Experience Required

• Substantial experience working in a law firm, pharmaceutical or global organisation within the legal department, with deep experience in employment law advice, counsel, and litigation.
• You will be a pragmatic problem solver, with strong communication and  collaboration skills to build, maintain and influence key stakeholder relationships across functions and the European Affiliates.
• Solid understanding of data privacy requirements and US litigation preservation obligations. Experience with e-discovery and document preservation/collection systems and processes.
• Ability to effectively and strategically lead a broad-based legal function in a complex multi-jurisdictional environment for a multinational pharmaceutical company. Strong experience and knowledge of best practices relating to employment matters in the various countries comprising the Division.
• Strong ability to grasp legal issues quickly, exhibit strong analytical problem solving and decision making skills, exercise sound judgment and provide practical and constructive legal advice in a time-sensitive, dynamic, and fast-paced complex global environment.
• Strong work ethic and ability to manage large workload, multi-task, focus on critical priorities, and otherwise effectively meet client needs. Ability to produce high quality work under deadline pressures.
• Strong organization and teamwork skills. Detail-oriented, self-motivated and able to motivate others.
• A strong commitment to integrity and professionalism and demonstrated passion for excellence.

Educations/Qualifications

• Law Degree (Essential)
• Project Management qualification would be useful

We offer

• A challenging and diversified job in an international setting
• Good career opportunities
• Inspiring work climate
• Attractive remuneration package

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.