Pharma Legal Operations Dept. Manager

Job Description

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Our client, a global manufacturer serving the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and nutrition industries, is hiring a Manager, Legal Business Operations and Services. Join the North American Legal Team as the Manager, Legal Business Operations and Services in Morristown, NJ (hybrid), impacting central initiatives in a vibrant setting. You will manage the business processes and operations of the North American Legal Department with a focus on efficient management of resources and continuous improvement. In addition, you will support strategic initiatives of the General Counsel, North America and Global Legal, Risk, and Responsibility Department.

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Key Responsibilities

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• Champion and support legal technology initiatives, including Matter Management, Legal Hold software, Lonza internal Legal App, Luminance and other AI initiatives, and e-signatures. 
• Manage a small team of paralegals, ensuring team development and flawless execution of duties and responsibilities. 
• Oversee CDA processes and procedures and corporate governance matters for all North American entities. 
• Responsible for internal budget forecasting, spend monitoring, evaluation, and management of resources. 
• Coordinate outside counsel management, including engagement, legal fee budgeting, forecasting, analysis, and reporting. 
• Act as a liaison to the Finance team regarding internal and external legal-related charges. 
• Support and assist GC and attorneys with special projects, particularly those of a sensitive nature (e.g., M&A). 
• Recommend and implement best practices, procedures, and organization of the Legal department. 
• Coordinate staffing, onboarding, and new hire orientation. 
• Support contract database management and supervise recording of executed contracts. 
• Maintain the Legal intranet site, including templates, electronic library, resource links, etc. 

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Key requirements:

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• Ability to prioritize responsibilities, work efficiently, manage, and execute in a timely manner. 
• Excellent judgment and ability to operate in a fast-paced legal department on a broad range of matters, acting independently and collaboratively. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate with collaborators, outside counsel, business partners, and other team members. 
• Outstanding people and management skills. 
• Proven ability to identify issues, analyze problems, and develop effective, practical solutions. 
• Proficiency in Office and Legal software, and willingness to learn new technologies, including AI tools. 
• Critical and strategic thinking, long-term planning, and alignment of team efforts with organizational goa 
• High level of discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive information. High degree of professional ethics and integrity.
•  Willingness to travel and work extended hours, as needed. 

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Qualifications:

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• BA/BS degree or equivalent experience. 
• 10-15 years' experience in an in-house legal environment, with experience in financial budgeting and reporting, technology implementation and management, commercial law and corporate governance. 
• Paralegal certification and experience with artificial intelligence tools are preferred. 

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The company’s products and services improve millions of lives each day—a responsibility it takes seriously. Success is measured not just by results, but by how they’re achieved, with a firm commitment to ethics, people, and the environment.

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Attracted by the challenge of solving complex problems in life sciences, professionals find purpose in work that makes a meaningful global impact.

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Salary: The posted range is not a guarantee. The actual salary will be based on qualifications, experience, and education and could fall outside of this range. Contact us for more information.