Senior Legal Counsel, Europe at Cytokinetics

Job description

Cytokinetics is a specialty cardiovascular biopharmaceutical company, building on its over 25 years of pioneering scientific innovations in muscle biology, and advancing a pipeline of potential new medicines for patients suffering from diseases of cardiac muscle dysfunction. The Senior Legal Counsel, Europe will be responsible for general legal support of Cytokinetics’ European affiliates, with particular emphasis on the drafting, review and negotiation of commercial agreements. The successful candidate will partner with leaders of the European affiliates, including the Irish site team, supporting the Commercial, Medical Affairs, Market Access functions. The role is based in Dublin, Ireland, and reports to the Head of Legal and Compliance, Europe, who is based at the Company’s regional headquarters in Zug, Switzerland. This role will work closely with each of the Legal and Compliance team in Europe, as well as with the US-based legal team. Key Responsibilities Contract Drafting, Negotiation & Management Own the drafting, negotiation, and management of a wide range of commercial agreements, including non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), master services agreements (MSAs) and associated statements of work (SOWs), HCP/HCO agreements, vendor and supplier agreements, event and meeting agreements, distribution and wholesaler agreements, and data protection–related contract terms (in collaboration with Privacy Counsel). Collaborate and coordinate with other Cytokinetics legal professionals on projects connected to the maintenance and AI-driven evolution and improvement of the company’s contract generation and management systems, including by developing and maintaining necessary EU-specific contract templates, playbooks and clause libraries Ensure contract terms and processes are aligned with Cytokinetics’ legal, compliance, and operational standards and company policies. Collaborate with business partners to understand objectives and craft practical, risk-appropriate solutions. Legal Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration Provide day-to-day legal support, advice and counsel to European business partners, helping to facilitate contracting, interpret company policies and institute best practices to manage risks and improve efficiency and compliance. Lead the legal workstream for establishing and structuring distribution channels in European markets, including distributor and wholesaler appointment, route-to-market design, and the associated commercial terms. Support the Cytokinetics Irish entity and Dublin site leaders on local Irish matters, as required Compliance & Risk Management Advise on EU and national competition law issues arising in commercial arrangements, including vertical agreements and distribution, pricing and discounting, exclusivity and territorial restrictions, and information exchange. Identify, assess, escalate, and advise on legal risks appropriately, ensuring our contracts and operations comply with applicable EU/EEA and UK, requirements, including country-specific requirements in the markets supported. Partner with Head of Legal and Compliance, Compliance Officer, Regulatory, Finance and Procurement teams when contract matters intersect with finance, regulatory or compliance considerations. Support the Cytokinetics Irish entity on local matters, including company secretarial support as needed, local regulatory coordination, and liaison with Irish outside counsel. Qualifications Law degree (LLB, LLM, or equivalent) from a recognised university. Qualified to practice as a solicitor or barrister in Ireland, or in another EU/EEA jurisdiction with eligibility to requalify in Ireland. Admission in an additional European jurisdiction is desirable. 10+ years of experience in life sciences, healthcare, or related industries with a strong preference for candidates who have experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry with direct experience across multiple European jurisdictions. Proven ability to proactively identify