Job Description

Head - Legal - AstraZeneca, Mumbai
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies.
At AstraZeneca, we're guided by a bold purpose - to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines.
Here, every role has impact. Whether it's developing new treatments, driving compliance and ethics, or strengthening governance - our work transforms lives, including our own.
You'll join a culture built on trust, curiosity, and collaboration - where integrity leads every decision, and where doing what's right is as valued as doing what's innovative.
If you're looking for a career that's challenging, meaningful, and life-changing, AstraZeneca is where it begins.
Overview
As Head - Legal, India for AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited (AZPIL), a publicly listed entity of the AstraZeneca Group, you will lead the company's legal, compliance, and governance agenda.
You will be responsible for protecting AstraZeneca's legal interests, ensuring full compliance with Indian laws and global policies, and providing strategic legal counsel to the Managing Director, Board of Directors, and senior leadership.
Your role will shape how the organization manages legal risk, strengthens governance, and builds trust - with regulators, partners, shareholders, and employees alike.
This role is based in Mumbai, India.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Legal Leadership

• Serve as the principal legal advisor to the Country President and Board, providing strategic counsel on corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters.
• Develop and lead AstraZeneca India's legal strategy aligned with business goals and global governance standards.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and regulatory risks across all business operations.
• Partner with business leaders to enable strategic decision-making through proactive legal guidance.

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant statutes, including the Companies Act, SEBI regulations, FEMA, Stock Exchange mandates, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
• Champion AstraZeneca's governance and compliance frameworks, including the Code of Conduct, Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy, and Whistle-blower mechanisms.
• Collaborate with internal compliance teams to review new initiatives, policies, and projects, ensuring ethical and regulatory alignment.
• Serve as a member of the Compliance Committee, promoting a culture of transparency and ethical conduct.

Legal Operations and Litigation Management

• Oversee corporate legal affairs, including contracting, dispute management, and regulatory submissions.
• Manage external legal counsel, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective support aligned with business priorities.
• Represent AstraZeneca before legal authorities and regulatory bodies.
• Draft, negotiate, and review commercial, partnership, and vendor agreements across business functions.

Intellectual Property and Risk Management

• Collaborate with AstraZeneca's global IPR teams to protect and enforce intellectual property rights in India.
• Oversee trademark and patent filings, oppositions, and defences in partnership with external attorneys.
• Lead legal risk assessments and ensure adequate insurance coverage in coordination with Finance and Risk teams.

Corporate and Trust Responsibilities

• Oversee all legal and compliance matters related to employee and welfare trusts.
• Approve trust investments and settlements jointly with the CFO, ensuring compliance with tax and statutory requirements.
• Sponsor legal oversight for CSR and sustainability initiatives, aligning with AstraZeneca's corporate responsibility agenda.

Qualifications and Experience
Essential

• Law degree from a recognized university and qualification to practice law in India.
• 15-20 years of progressive legal experience, preferably with a listed or multinational organization.
• Strong expertise in corporate law, governance, compliance, and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven track record advising Boards and senior leadership on strategic legal issues.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification in Intellectual Property Law (LLM or PG Diploma).
• Experience in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, or life sciences industry.

Skills and Attributes

• High personal integrity and sound judgment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to balance legal risk and business opportunity.
• Ability to lead through influence in a complex, matrixed environment.
• Collaborative, pragmatic, and results-oriented approach.

Why AstraZeneca
At AstraZeneca we're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There's no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We're on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.
Date Posted 03-Nov-2025
Closing Date 13-Nov-2025
AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

Skills Required