Counsel, Contracts

Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd. is a global pharmaceutical company based in Japan with key operations in the U.S. (Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.), Canada (Sumitomo Pharma Canada, Inc.) and Europe (Sumitomo Pharma Switzerland GmbH) focused on addressing patient needs in oncology, urology, women's health, rare diseases, psychiatry & neurology, and cell & gene therapies. With several marketed products in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, a diverse pipeline of early- to late-stage assets, and in-house advanced technology capabilities, we aim to accelerate discovery, research, and development to bring novel therapies to patients sooner. For more information on SMPA, visit our website https://www.us.sumitomo-pharma.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Job Overview

We are currently seeking a qualified, highly motivated, experienced individual for the position of Counsel. The position reports to Senior Counsel. Counsel will be part of a team of attorneys and legal professionals, and will help support the contracting and legal functions at Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc. The position reports to the Senior Counsel and the location is remote. This individual will be instrumental in supporting the business. He or she will primarily focus on drafting, negotiating, and managing contracts related to commercial, clinical, operational, and privacy activities and will manage issues escalated by the business related to contract intake, negotiation, drafting, records or processing, risk assessments, and guidance for a variety of business groups. Moreover, the Counsel position will also have the opportunity advise and support general matters related to technology, including artificial intelligence, privacy, employment, and disputes.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Contract Review and Management

• Independently draft, review, negotiate, and finalize commercial contracts, including NDA’s, MSA’s, SOW’s, procurement agreements, consulting agreements, HR agreements, SaaS/technology agreements, and a variety of other agreements common in the pharmaceutical industry
• Independently draft, review, negotiate, and finalize a high volume of Data Protection Addenda and other privacy agreements
• Ensure contract terms are consistent with company policies and best practices
• Involve relevant stakeholders in evaluating legal, compliance, financial, and business risks associated with contracts to the best protect company interests, and facilitate the escalation and resolution of complex issues as needed
• Serve as a liaison with outside counsel and manage vendors
• Manage one’s own commercial contracts and requests within a contract lifecycle management database/platform

General Advice, Counseling, and Special Projects

• Advising the internal business partners on various legal matters related to contracts and technology, including artificial intelligence
• Generate reports, presentations, spreadsheets, memos and other documents for the Legal Department, clients and/or the senior management team
• Complete special projects such as collaborating on department-wide or company-wide initiatives

Partnerships, Policy, and Training

• Conduct legal research
• Support the company’s Strategic Sourcing group in their partnership in the contracts management process
• Assist in implementing new policies and procedures
• Train and guide the internal business teams on the use of new policies and procedures including use of artificial intelligence and their relevant legal issues

Key Core Competencies

• Treats people with respect and inspires the trust of others
• Works creatively and with a passion for the mission of the company (“We are in the constant pursuit of self-innovation to deliver patient first, innovative products and services with speed so that people around the world can lead healthier and more fulfilling lives”)
• Works with integrity and ethically in accordance with company’s Code of Business Conduct, policies, and procedures
• Able to collaborate, as well as work independently while balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with a high level of professionalism
• Demonstrates daily customer-service orientation and a positive, ‘can do’ attitude
• Exhibits honesty, integrity, and trust-building behaviors in all interactions
• Prioritizes self-motivation, reliability, and responsibility
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to be flexible and shift priorities as needed, and is willing to accept new responsibilities and develop professionally in substantive areas
• Exercises discretion and good judgment while handling confidential and sensitive information

Education and Experience

Education

• Juris Doctor from an accredited U.S. law school; admitted/licensed to practice law 

Experience

• At least 4-8 years of experience drafting and negotiating contracts in the life sciences industry
• Prior experience with biotechnology or a pharmaceutical company within a firm and/or in-house setting
• Experience with new product launches is strongly preferred
• Working knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, guidance and industry codes related to the pharmaceutical industry including privacy laws and regulations including as they relate to technology and artificial intelligence

The base salary range for this role is $174,400 to $218,000. Base salary is part of our total rewards package which also includes the opportunity for merit-based salary increases, short incentive plan participation, eligibility for our 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances and leaves provided in line with your work state.  Our robust time-off policy includes unlimited paid time off, 11 paid holidays plus additional time off for a shut-down period during the last week of December, 80 hours of paid sick time upon hire and each year thereafter.  Total compensation, including base salary to be offered, will depend on elements unique to each candidate, including candidate experience, skills, education and other factors permitted by law.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Confidential Data: All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that an employee encounters is considered confidential.

Compliance :Achieve and maintain Compliance with all applicable regulatory, legal and operational rules and procedures, by ensuring that all plans and activities for and on behalf of Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) and affiliates are carried out with the "best" industry practices and the highest ethical standards.

Mental/Physical Requirements: Fast paced environment handling multiple demands. Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment as necessary. Requires a high level of initiative and independence. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Requires ability to use a personal computer for extended periods of time.

Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action employer

Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) is committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.

For more information about EEO and the Law, please visit the following pages:

Equal Employment Opportunity is THE LAW

EEO is the Law Poster Supplement

Pay Transparency