Overview
Gilead Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and delivering innovative therapeutics for people with life-threatening diseases. Our mission is to advance patient care globally, guided by values of integrity, inclusion, teamwork, accountability, and excellence. We are seeking a senior leader to drive the Global Legal Business Partner function and embed legal considerations across the enterprise.
Role
SVP, Global Legal Business Partners, reports to the General Counsel and leads the legal strategy for Gilead’s commercial, development, medical affairs, regulatory, manufacturing, public affairs, and government affairs teams. This executive oversees a matrixed team of lawyers and compliance professionals across geographies and therapeutic areas to identify and manage legal and reputational risks in a complex, regulated environment.
Key Responsibilities
Set the vision and strategy for the Global Legal Business Partners function, aligning with enterprise priorities and business objectives.
Oversee legal support for major business units (Commercial, Development, Medical Affairs, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Public Affairs, Government Affairs, Value & Access, etc.) ensuring integrated legal guidance in decision-making.
Lead cross-functional collaboration with product development, launches, market access, pricing, and strategic initiatives globally; embed legal and compliance considerations in decision processes.
Serve as senior legal advisor on high-impact matters, including regulatory approvals, major transactions, and litigation; manage crisis and reputational risk in collaboration with executive leadership.
Stay ahead of evolving regulatory landscapes (including AI/digital health) to anticipate risks and opportunities.
Operational Excellence & Risk Management
Drive operational rigor, process simplification, and continuous improvement across the global legal function.
Leverage technologies (including AI and data analytics) to optimize operations, enhance compliance monitoring, and deliver predictive risk insights.
Establish KPIs and use analytics to measure function effectiveness and inform strategy.
Oversee external counsel relationships for value, cost efficiency, and quality of services.
Talent Leadership & Culture
Build and sustain a high-performing, inclusive, diverse global legal team with robust succession planning and development.
Foster collaboration, ethical conduct, continuous improvement, and innovation within the legal function.
Champion DEI and justice initiatives and model an inclusive culture across the organization.
Enterprise Governance
Partner with executive leadership and global business leaders to shape and execute enterprise strategy; contribute to governance, risk, and compliance frameworks.
Provide governance support to the Board and investor-facing functions; represent Gilead externally in forums and stakeholder engagements.
Leadership Competencies
Visionary leadership, strategic influence, and inclusive, people-first leadership.
Operational rigor, results orientation, and the ability to navigate complexity and change.
Collaborative partnership across functions and geographies.
Qualifications
Juris Doctorate or equivalent legal degree; admitted to practice in relevant jurisdictions.
15+ years of progressive legal experience in biotech, pharmaceuticals, or highly regulated industries with global leadership responsibility.
Deep expertise in pharmaceutical laws, compliance, risk management, and business partnering; proven ability to lead large, matrixed teams and drive enterprise-wide impact.
Exceptional business judgment, strategic thinking, executive communication, and ability to influence across functions and externally.
Location
Foster City, CA (On-site)
Equal Opportunity
Gilead Sciences Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We provide a work environment free of harassment and discrimination and are committed to diversity and inclusion. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. For accommodations in the application process, contact
#J-18808-Ljbffr