Head Legal and Compliance Saudi and North Africa

About the role

Sandoz is seeking a senior legal professional to lead Legal and Compliance for Saudi Arabia and North Africa. Reporting to the Country Head, you will act as a strategic business partner, ensuring contractual and regulatory obligations are met across the region.

Key responsibilities

• Provide legal business partnership to the Country Head on contract negotiations and statutory matters.
• Draft and review complex transactions and contracts, delivering contextual legal advice and training.
• Identify and assess business risks, conduct robust risk assessments, and recommend actions.
• Manage significant disputes, litigation, and investigations independently.
• Guide and support junior counsel, paralegals, and other legal staff.
• Lead legal projects such as licensing, divestments, and cross‑unit initiatives.
• Oversee reporting of technical complaints, adverse events, and special case scenarios within required timeframes.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in law.
• Residency in Riyadh.
• 10+ years of experience, preferably in healthcare or pharmaceutical environments.
• Proven experience managing legal and compliance teams and leading interactions with government and regulatory bodies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with high influencing and negotiation ability.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and handle demanding clients.
• Financial and business acumen, cultural sensitivity, and resilience.
• Fluency in English (required) and Arabic (highly preferred).

Required skills

• Risk Assessment
• Legal Compliance
• Legal Advice

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead legal strategy for a major pharmaceutical company in a dynamic region.
• Collaborative environment with senior business leaders.
• Competitive compensation package.