Senior Legal Counsel – Core Legal (Legal Innovation Hub)

Job Description Summary

#LI-Hybrid
Location: Hyderabad, India

What if you could shape the future of legal innovation at scale? As a Senior Legal Counsel within our Legal Innovation Hub, you will be at the forefront of transforming how legal advice and services are delivered—combining deep legal expertise with cutting-edge technology like Generative AI. You’ll lead high-impact, global initiatives across procurement, clinical, commercial, and business development, driving smarter, faster, scalable, and more consistent legal solutions. This is a unique opportunity to partner with senior stakeholders, influence strategy, and redefine legal function in a truly global environment.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Lead drafting and negotiation of complex contracts across procurement, clinical, commercial, and business development domains
• Design tailored contractual solutions while proactively identifying and mitigating legal and compliance risks
• Resolve disputes through innovative, business-aligned legal strategies
• Develop and maintain contract templates, playbooks, and knowledge repositories for global use
• Champion adoption and implementation of Generative AI and multiple legal technology to transform legal function
• Advise on legal implications, quality, risks, and governance of advanced technology solutions in regulated environments
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders and mentor teams to build strong legal and innovation capabilities
• Drive process excellence through automation, continuous improvement, and performance reporting

Essential Requirements

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Law
• Extensive experience in legal advisory, contract negotiation, and contract lifecycle management
• Strong expertise in legal technology, including Generative Artificial Intelligence and digital legal tools
• Proven ability to manage global stakeholders and influence senior cross-functional partners
• Advanced drafting, negotiation, and dispute resolution capabilities in complex environments
• Strong project management, analytical thinking, and ability to deliver innovative, practical legal solutions

Desirable Requirements

• Experience in highly regulated industries such as life sciences, pharmaceuticals, or clinical research
• Project management certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, or Lean Six Sigma

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Skills Desired