Position OverviewSenior Counsel will work independently and collaboratively on complex legal matters for FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation and its affiliated global CDMO business, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, with locations in North Carolina, Texas, United Kingdom, and Denmark, to minimize legal risk and protect and maximize the company's legal rights. The role serves as a principal legal advisor and recognized expert for FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies globally, providing sophisticated, business-centric counsel on issues that materially impact current programs and future concepts. It applies extensive knowledge of commercial, regulatory, and intellectual property frameworks to resolve critical issues-often with limited information-balancing near-term execution with long-term strategic objectives and risk management. The Senior Counsel leads the application of best-practice legal principles, guides the development of new ideas and templates, and shapes contracting standards that span multiple functions and geographies. Operating with wide latitude, the position builds formal networks with key decision makers and may act as an external spokesperson on legal and compliance matters relevant to the CDMO/Life Sciences sector.
Job DescriptionResponsibilities- Draft, review, and negotiate complex business critical commercial contracts (e.g., MSAs, SOWs, supply, development/manufacturing/services, quality agreements, NDAs) to align with business objectives and risk appetite.
- Advises on and reports to senior management on legal and regulatory risks impacting CDMO/Life Sciences operations (e.g., GMP, pharmacovigilance interfaces, data privacy, competition), escalating appropriately, proposing risk-mitigation strategies and developing contractual language to minimize risk.
- Acts as principal advisor and thought leader: creates formal networks with key internal and external decision makers; represents the Legal function in executive forums; may serve as external spokesperson on legal topics germane to the CDMO/Life Sciences sector.
- Works with internal teams to respond to horizon scanning and develops long term legal strategies and frameworks that influence strategic goals and future products/services; guides development of new ideas and positions.
- Partners with Commercial and Program teams on strategic, high value collaborations and bids; drives issue resolution to enable timely deal closure and sustainable, customer focused outcomes.
- Manages a high volume, complex caseload autonomously, prioritizing based upon enterprise value and risk in the context of strategic goals; communicates progress and positions clearly to stakeholders at all levels.
- Provides guidance on non-contentious intellectual property (e.g., licensing frameworks, background/foreground IP, know how, freedom to operate issues) shapes IP allocation standards for platform deals to facilitate long term strategies
- Designs, instigates and delivers legal training and playbooks; educates and leads stakeholders to elevate commercial acumen and compliance culture across multiple functions and regions
- Optimizes legal processes, templates, and (contract lifecycle management) CLM/data insights; leads continuous improvement initiatives that enhance cycle time, quality, and consistency.
- Engages and manages outside counsel (e.g., specialized regulatory, disputes, employment, real estate), ensuring value, quality, and timely delivery against budgets and guidelines ensuring internal goals are met
- Supports dispute avoidance and resolution and provides input on corporate matters and transactions as needed, protecting the company's legal rights and reputation.
- Contributes to policy, compliance program rollout, and cross-group alignment (with UK, Denmark, US and global FUJIFILM Legal/Compliance), ensuring consistency of standards and precedents/ risk position.
Required Skills/Education- College degree and juris doctorate from accredited law school.
- Admitted to at least one state bar in good standing. NC admission preferred.
- 8-12 years of relevant experience in a corporate law firm and/or in-house legal department, in the CDMO, Life Science/Pharma, or health care field.
- Professionally recognized as having extensive knowledge of commercial law, contracting theory/practice, and legal design; principal level advisor capable of resolving critical issues with limited information and high judgment.
- Excellent negotiation and executive communication skills; adept at influencing senior leaders and shaping cross functional decisions.
- Strong analytical, pragmatic, and customer focused problem solving; balances near term outcomes with long term strategic objectives.
- Demonstrated collaboration in matrixed/global environments.
- Familiarity with compliance topics relevant to life sciences (e.g., data privacy/GDPR, competition, anti-bribery).
- Familiarity with international contracting and multi-jurisdictional risk assessments.
- Proficiency with modern legal technology (document management, e signature; facility with CLM and collaboration platforms).
Desired Skills- Academic honors are preferred.
- Management Skills
- Business acumen
- Follow-Up
- Negotiation and Leadership Skills
- Ability to Multi-Task
- Collaboration
- Analytical Ability
- Autonomy
- Budget Conscious
Salary and Benefits:- $170,000 to $210,000 depending on experience
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life Insurance
- 401k
- Paid Time Off
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