Legal Director

Cosmo Pharmaceuticals is seeking a Legal Director to partner with the Chief Legal Counsel in providing legal advice across the company’s global operations.

The role combines business legal support, corporate matters and regulatory support within the life sciences sector, and requires a pragmatic, business-oriented approach to legal risk management. The Legal Director will work closely with internal stakeholders across Commercial, Medical, Regulatory, R&D and Corporate functions.

At Cosmo, the Legal function acts as a strategic and trusted business partner, enabling key business objectives in a compliant and efficient manner by managing legal and reputational risks. The Legal Director will contribute to this mission by working in close partnership with the Chief Legal Counsel and the business and by supporting legal strategies that help create competitive advantage through early involvement in key initiatives and transactions.

The position operates with significant autonomy and is expected to influence complex business decisions through sound judgment, strong business acumen, with a particular focus on Medical Device and MedTech businesses and strategic commercial initiatives over multiple applicable jurisdictions mainly in US and Europe.

The Legal Director must consistently uphold integrity, accountability, and teamwork, contributing to a culture that reflects and reinforces these principles. The Legal Director will have to demonstrate agility, personal ownership, and a collaborative, trust-based approach when partnering with colleagues across functions and geographies.

The role reports directly to the Chief Legal Counsel and is based in Lainate (Milan).

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Legal Business Partnership

• Act as a senior and proactive legal business partner to internal stakeholders, providing risk-based legal advice on strategic initiatives, transactions and business-critical matters.

Commercial and Contractual Matters

• Lead the drafting, review and negotiation of complex commercial, licensing, distribution, supply, technology, development and strategic partnership agreements.
• Support product development, commercialization and lifecycle activities, particularly in relation to Medical Device, MedTech and technology-enabled healthcare solutions.
• Provide strategic legal advice to Commercial, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, R&D and other business functions, balancing risk management and business objectives.

Corporate and Transactional Support

• Lead or play a key legal role in strategic partnerships, licensing transactions and M&A projects, including due diligence, negotiation and transaction documentation.
• Support corporate governance, internal documentation and corporate structure matters.

Healthcare Legal and Compliance

• Provide legal advice on pharmaceutical, medical device and healthcare laws, regulations and industry codes.
• Support the development and implementation of internal policies and compliance initiatives as required.

External Counsel Coordination

• Manage and coordinate external counsel and advisors on assigned matters, ensuring quality, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Leadership and Influence

Although not managing a team, the Legal Director is expected to demonstrate strong leadership through influence and expertise.

The role:

• Acts as a trusted advisor to senior business leaders.
• Leads complex cross-functional projects and initiatives.
• Promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing across the organization.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Law degree.

Admission to the Bar in a European jurisdiction.

Professional Experience

8+ years of legal experience within the life sciences, pharmaceutical, medical device or MedTech sectors.

Demonstrated experience independently leading complex negotiations and advising senior business stakeholders.

Familiarity with pharmaceutical regulatory frameworks and healthcare industry codes.

Experience gained both in private practice and in-house is highly desirable.

Exposure to corporate law, licensing transactions or M&A activities is considered a strong plus.

Strong business acumen and ability to exercise sound judgment in complex situations.

Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to work effectively with senior leadership.

Strong contract drafting, negotiation and legal analysis skills.

Ability to provide practical legal advice.

Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Learning agility, with strong understanding of and familiarity with multiple applicable jurisdictions, primarily across the US and Europe.

High level of integrity and professional judgment.

Languages

Fluent English (written and spoken) is required.

Personal Attributes

Pragmatic and solution-oriented mindset.

Strong attention to detail.

Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across functions.

Strong sense of accountability and professional integrity.

SALARY PACKAGE:

• Annual Gross Salary (RAL): €105.000,00
• Level and Contract: Permanent contract (CCNL Chimico-farmaceutico).
• Others: 1 day/week of smart working.

Equal Opportunity Statement :

We support equal opportunities, without any discrimination; The research complies with Legislative Decree 198/2006