Senior Manager or Deputy General Manager - Legal

What you become a part of:

The incumbent in this role will render legal expertise across a wide range of matters including commercial transactions, contract management, trademark and intellectual property (IP) protection, regulatory compliance, and business strategy for SHLs global operations (Africa, China, India, UAE).

The role holder will independently draft, review, and negotiate legal documents such as contracts, agreements, and IP-related documentation across multiple business verticals including Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, and Diagnostics, while ensuring robust legal governance and risk mitigation.

What to expect:

• Provide legal guidance and support to internal stakeholders on commercial agreements and IP matters, including licensing, distribution, supply, collaboration and scheme of amalgamation.
• Lead end-to-end contract lifecycle management, including drafting, reviewing, negotiating, execution, and ongoing contract compliance.
• Manage and advise on trademark and intellectual property matters, including trademark filings, renewals, oppositions, infringement risks, brand usage, and coordination with external IP counsel across jurisdictions.
• Support brand launches, extensions, and marketing initiatives through trademark clearance, IP risk assessment, and usage guidance.
• Work on cross border transactions, Joint Ventures (JV), Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and advise on good governance practices.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on pharmaceutical regulations, IP laws, industry guidelines, and compliance requirements to mitigate legal risks and ensure business operations adhere to relevant standards.
• Conduct meticulous legal and business due diligence to assess risks and opportunities associated with the merger/ acquisition.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, regulatory affairs, procurement, and compliance, to develop and implement legal strategies that support business objectives.
• Identify potential litigation, IP disputes, and infringement risks and proactively plan mitigation strategies to minimize legal, business, and financial exposure.
• Handle legal disputes, litigation, and other legal matters as necessary, working closely with external counsel when required.
• Stay updated on emerging legal trends, IP developments, regulatory changes, and industry developments affecting the pharmaceutical sector, and provide proactive recommendations to senior management.

Essential qualifications, experience and skills:

• Company Secretary and minimum bachelor’s degree in Law from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the relevant state Bar Association.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience with a strong focus on contract management, trademark/IP matters, commercial transactions, and regulatory compliance, preferably within the Pharmaceutical / FMCG / FMCD / CPG sectors.
• Strong expertise in commercial law, corporate and business law, and trademark/IP laws.
• Demonstrated experience in managing trademark portfolios, handling IP risks, and coordinating with external IP counsel.
• Proven ability to draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial and IP-related agreements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders and provide practical, business-oriented solutions.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners.
• Experience handling legal disputes, IP infringement matters, litigation, and regulatory investigations is preferred.
• Experience working cross-culturally and cross-functionally with diverse colleagues.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a fast-growing, mission-led organization transforming healthcare access in Africa.
• Work alongside passionate teams with deep expertise and purpose.
• Opportunity to operate in a dynamic, international environment with room for growth and innovation.

Application:

If this role is of interest to you, please upload a recent copy of your CV and a member of the Talent Acquisition team will be in touch. We believe that equal opportunities mean inclusion, diversity and fair treatment for all.