Legal Counsel

We have an exciting opportunity for a Legal Counsel to join our Legal and Compliance Team, based in our Head Office in Manchester. 

At Chiesi it is our people who are at the heart of what we do and achieve. A proud family business we are a Top Employer and a Great Place to Work in the UK. 

We provide an excellent benefits package, including:
•    competitive salary
•    annual performance related bonus
•    25 days leave plus 2 additional paid well-being days
•    group personal pension scheme with flexible contributions
•    private medical insurance
•    private dental insurance
•    group life assurance
•    employee assistance programme
•    salary sacrifice and employee discount schemes
•    annual high-performance incentive awards
•    enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption policies
•    paid carers leave
•    professional development opportunities 
•    flexible smart working
•    2 dedicated volunteering days per year 

If you’ll be joining us at our Head Office near Manchester Airport, you'll enjoy great public transport links, free parking and free charging (for Electric Vehicles).

We offer hybrid working of three days in our Head Office in Heald Green and two days from home as part of our SMART Working Policy.

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and will provide reasonable adjustments upon request.

If this sounds like the next step in your journey, we’d love to hear from you! 

Closing Date:                    Wednesday 25th February 2026    
First stage interviews:       Scheduled to take place over the 4th and 5th March 2026
Second stage interviews:  Week commencing 9th or 16th March 2026

This is what you will do

As a key member of the Legal & Compliance Business Unit, you will provide high-quality, pragmatic legal advice and support to the UK business across data protection, cyber security, artificial intelligence, ISO standards and any other legal compliance project(s) on an as required basis.  Additionally, supporting the Legal and Compliance Business Unit with wider business activities as required, ensuring the company operates in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, the Corporate Code of Ethics, and internal policies and procedures. This is a hands-on, business-facing role that offers an excellent opportunity for development, including potential line management responsibilities, depending on experience and growth within the role.

You will be responsible for

• Provide support on UK and EU data protection matters, including advising on data privacy risks and helping to maintain compliance frameworks.
• Focus on artificial intelligence and cyber security compliance in accordance with the business need and risk appetite as law and regulation in relation to these two areas develops.  
• Manage continuing compliance with ISO standards (ISO 370001 (Anti-Bribery) and any others notified from time to time) and be the strategic lead for the implementation of any new standards (ISO or otherwise) which the business may decide to work towards.  
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders across commercial, medical, regulatory, HR, and other business functions to deliver timely and effective legal support.
• Assist in the delivery of training sessions on legal and compliance topics and contribute to the development and maintenance of policies, templates and precedent documents.
• Potential management of a direct report in all aspects of their legal work and development, and contribute to the development of the team as a whole, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.  Manage internal business and external stakeholders in terms of their expectations and when input is required of them.
• Assist in the creation and delivery of training sessions on legal and compliance topics and contribute to the development and maintenance of policies, templates and precedent documents
• Support internal and external audits and investigations as required and help communicate findings/recommendations/key learnings and identifying potential improvements or change
• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks, specifically in relation to data protection and legal compliance to safeguard the organisation's interests
• Assist Legal & Compliance Senior Director by providing regular reporting in relation to data protection and ISO standards and as required on various other topics (including, for example, competition and anti-bribery and corruption law).
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date legal records and documentation and bring forward innovative ideas for efficiency and best practice for the department.
• Comply with the Company Code of Conduct 

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, ad hoc project work may be given as part of annual objectives and a structured development programme based on an individual’s training needs.

You will need to have

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)
• In-house experience in a commercial or highly regulated environment is desired but not essential, and experience in the life sciences/pharma sector would be also beneficial but not essential
• Solid understanding and experience in commercial contract law and data protection compliance along with an enthusiasm to understand and develop skills in ISO standards and any other legal compliance activities (for example anti-trust, modern slavery) required by the business.
• A collaborative mindset and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate legal concepts clearly and build effective working relationships across the business.
• Commercially aware, with a pragmatic and solutions-oriented approach to legal problem solving.
• Comfortable working independently on routine matters and escalating complex or high-risk issues appropriately. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced, ever-changing environment.
• Interest in professional development and line management experience, or potential to take on people management responsibilities over time.
• Knowledge of the ABPI Code of Practice and UK pharmaceutical regulations is desirable but not essential.

Location

Head Office based - Heald Green, Manchester