General Counsel

Phlexglobal is the leading technology and services organization for clinical and regulatory matters with a focus on helping clients to master their digital agenda via proven AI solutions. Phlexglobal combines software and leading expert services to offer a unique solutions portfolio with easy to achieve automation via data generation that lifts organizations to a new level of effectiveness.

Purpose

We have an exciting opening for an experienced commercial lawyer to become our first in house legal counsel to lead our legal function and shape and scale legal support for the business. With prior experience of working in a high-growth technology or biotechnology company you will be ready to play a leading role as Phlexglobal continues its growth both organically and through acquisition.

Senior Counsel is primarily responsible and accountable for independently drafting and negotiating a variety of commercial contracts, with an emphasis on revenue-generating contracts with our clientele providing services to the pharmaceutical vertical. The successful candidate will have frequent interactions with company stakeholders. In addition to the drafting and negotiation of customer-facing commercial contracts, Senior Counsel will also draft, negotiate and close a variety of vendor contracts. The ideal candidate will have deep contracting expertise, substantial experience supporting global clients, first-rate legal and business acumen, excellent leadership and customer service skills, and a positive “can-do” attitude. The ability to understand risks, balance competing interests, and provide rapid, practical and appropriate legal advice to our clientele is critical to success for this position.

This is a client-facing position. It is expected that Senior Counsel will establish productive relationships with our internal stakeholders and external customers as well as foster a client-focused approach with respect to the performance of all legal & risk management responsibilities.

This is a remote position reporting into the UK based CFO and working closely with the US and UK Senior leadership team. Ideally, candidates will be local to the US headquarters in Malvern, PA to interact with the Senior Leadership Team and other key stakeholders as needed.

Key Activities

Assume leadership role in the negotiation, drafting, and review of commercial contracts - worldwide scope with an emphasis on software/platform as a service (SaaS/PaaS), Master Service Agreements, Statements of Work, data privacy terms, and other regularly used legal documentation.

Establish strong, collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders responsible for commercial contracting, including Business Development, Operations, and Finance.

Manage risks through practical, business-oriented counselling and the application of company policies, processes, guidelines and procedures

Ensure that the contracting process results in high-quality contracts that are completed in a quick and efficient manner.

Ensure that the contracting process generates client goodwill that can be used as the foundation for long-term, collaborative relationships.

Maintain a positive, “results-oriented” work environment, building partnerships and modelling teamwork.

Communicate in an open, balanced and effective manner.

Providing general ad-hoc commercial legal support across the breadth of the business including company secretarial duties for all entities within the business.

Streamlining existing processes, documentation and precedents and creating self-service tools for the business.

Contract management – rolling-out and embedding a single unified contract management solution across the business. Corporate governance – assistance with corporate filings, documentation and signature processes.

Assisting in provision of regular training to the business and legal updates to the team.

Advising and assisting on all M&A activity.

Managing 3rd party legal suppliers.

Minimum Work Experience

Strong professional experience as an attorney, minimum 5+ years law firm training (large multi-national law firm preferred), and/or 5+ years in-house experience negotiating commercial contracts for a global corporation (preference for life sciences or technology)

Required Skills & Experience

Juris Doctor (or equivalent) and an active license to practice law in applicable jurisdiction

Understanding of government regulations that effect the operation of the organization.

Understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and/or drug development process preferred..

Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Ability to analyze complex business and legal issues/risks in order to advance practical solutions.

Exceptional legal drafting skills with an affinity for using language to achieve compromise.

Ability to take a business and client-focused approach to work.

Process-oriented and proactive approach to contract drafting and negotiation.

Able to engage team members in order to improve performance and achieve objectives.

Ability to manage and prioritize multiple and varied negotiations with enthusiasm and attention to detail.

Ability to establish project management plans with internal and external stakeholders and drive negotiations in accordance with aggressive timelines.

Ability to make internal customers and stakeholders a high priority and understanding their needs and expectations.

Knowledge of GDPR legislation would be an advantage.

Possess financial and business acumen.

Initiative, enthusiasm, and resourcefulness.

Independent worker and self-starter.

Education

JD and Bar Admission required

Why Work for Phlexglobal?

We offer challenging careers, projects, great benefits, and a comprehensive and competitive rewards package, including great training and personalized career development opportunities.

Our benefits typically include a competitive base salary and generous annual leave. We also provide 401k, medical, dental and vision insurance and life insurance.

Your career and personal development are important to us. We provide you with all the training you need to develop the knowledge and skills to be successful at work. We also provide personalized learning and development plans, and regular performance reviews to enable you to achieve your career development goals.