On behalf of our client,a dynamic and international company in the Zurich area, we are seeking a:
Highly experienced and strategic leader to establish and manage the legal and intellectual property functions.
This role combines responsibility for corporate governance, contract management, and legal operations with global oversight of intellectual property rights, ensuring compliance, innovation protection, and risk mitigation.
Key Responsibilities
Intellectual Property Leadership
•Secure, defend, and manage IP rights globally.
•Advise and support the company’s innovation strategy (R&D).
•Prepare patent applications in collaboration with R&D teams.
•Ensure timely maintenance of registered IP rights and monitor third-party patent developments.
•Conduct patent and trademark searches to assess risks and protection opportunities.
•Manage IP budget and external IP counsel, and chair IP Committee meetings.
Legal Operations & Corporate Governance
•Manage and maintain the company’s Cap Table and share transaction records.
•Oversee corporate documentation, shareholder agreements, and board resolutions.
•Ensure compliance with Swiss corporate law and international regulatory requirements.
•Establish and streamline internal legal processes and policies to improve efficiency and reduce
external legal spend.
•Manage relationships with external counsel for specialized legal matters (IP, transactions, due
diligence).
Contract & Commercial Management
•Develop and maintain a robust system for managing all company contracts and licensing agreements.
•Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of legal documents, including commercial contracts, vendor
agreements, NDAs, and licensing deals.
•Provide legal support to Sales, Business Development, and Procurement teams on commercial terms,
product distribution, and go-to-market strategies.
•Identify and manage legal risks associated with new markets and product launches.
Sales & Commercial Support:
•Act as the primary legal advisor for the Sales, Business Development, and Procurement teams,
providing timely, pragmatic, and actionable legal counsel on commercial terms, product distribution,
and go-to-market strategies.
•Identify and manage legal risks associated with new markets and product launches.
Profile
•Master’s degree in Swiss Law
•7+ years in senior legal counsel roles within chemistry or related scientific fields
•Proven expertise in contract and licensing management across multiple jurisdictions.
•Strong background in international patent and trademark laws, practices, and procedures.
•Experience managing Cap Table and equity transactions
•Fluent in English and German, French is a plus
•Excellent organizational and negotiation skills
•Ability to work under pressure and prioritize effectively
•Strong business acumen and ability to translate complex legal and IP issues into clear advice