Commercial Legal Counsel

Position Summary

Ardelyx is a commercial‑stage biopharmaceutical company focused on redefining treatment approaches for patients with significant unmet medical needs. By combining scientific innovation with a collaborative, purpose‑driven culture, we strive to create meaningful impact for patients.

The Commercial Legal Counsel will be responsible for providing tactical legal support and sound counsel on a wide array of legal issues pertaining to Ardelyx. The role reports to the Senior Director of Legal and works closely with other Legal team members to support internal business partners, including Commercial, Market Access, Patient Advocacy, and Medical Affairs. The candidate will be expected to manage a high volume of operational legal matters and, as Ardelyx and the Legal department scale, grow their professional expertise within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Provide day‑to‑day sound, practical and timely legal advice to internal clients on matters related to the operation of a commercial business.
• Provide operational legal advice to cross‑functional business partners on matters including, but not limited to, patient services, market access, and HCP interaction.
• Contribute to special legal projects and strategic initiatives in areas outside of the core commercial function to support broader business objectives.
• Support senior Legal leadership to assess business needs and assist in the identification and mitigation of legal risks.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of agreements including trade/distribution, supply, specialty pharmacy, patient support services, and other commercial agreements.
• Draft, review, and negotiate HCP‑related agreements, including consulting, speaker bureau, and advisory board agreements, ensuring compliance with internal policies.
• Collaborate with the Compliance team to ensure that the company’s healthcare compliance programs reflect applicable laws and regulations governing drug promotion, field customer engagement, and financial arrangements with healthcare providers and associated transparency reporting.
• Liaise with Commercial and Medical Affairs teams to provide legal oversight on HCP engagement workflows and associated documentation.
• Manage independent legal projects and contribute to the development of legal processes and templates to improve departmental efficiency.
• Collaborate with other departments in developing and presenting training materials on various legal issues.

Qualifications

• A Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA‑accredited law school with 3‑5 years of relevant experience at a law firm and/or pharmaceutical/biotech company.
• Strong foundational knowledge of commercial, compliance, and regulatory matters related to the commercialization of branded pharmaceutical products.
• Proven experience in contract drafting and negotiating, specifically involving market access, sourcing, complex commercial agreements in biopharmaceuticals, and HCP‑related agreements.
• A solid understanding of relevant federal and state healthcare laws (Anti‑Kickback Statute, False Claims Act, FDA Rules, Sunshine Act).
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain legal concepts to non‑attorneys.
• Strong organizational skills with a "roll up your sleeves" approach to managing high‑volume contract cycles and compliance workflows in a fast‑paced environment.
• A collaborative style and an ability to work effectively within a cross‑functional team.
• Business pragmatism and the ability to apply legal requirements to practical business solutions.
• Experience or interest in market access‑related regulations (Medicare, Medicaid, 340B).
• Ability to travel periodically as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated annualized base pay range for this full‑time position is $214,000‑$250,000. Ardelyx utilizes industry data to ensure that our compensation is competitive and aligned with our industry peers. Actual base pay will be determined based on a variety of factors, including years of relevant experience, training, qualifications, and internal equity. The compensation package may also include an annual bonus target and equity awards, subject to eligibility and other requirements.

Ardelyx also offers a robust benefits package that includes a 401(k) plan with generous employer match, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, up to 12 weeks of living organ and bone marrow leave, equity incentive plans, health plans (medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision), life insurance and disability, flexible time off, an annual Winter Holiday shut down, and at least 11 paid holidays.

EEO Statement

Ardelyx is an equal opportunity employer.