Director, Corporate Counsel US

Job Description

Job Description

CordenPharma is a leading full-service Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, drug products (DPs), and packaging. With around 3,000 employees worldwide, we help pharmaceutical and biotech companies manufacture medicines with the ultimate goal of improving people’s lives.
Our network, spanning Europe and the U.S., provides flexible and specialized solutions across six technology platforms: Peptides, Lipids & Carbohydrates, Injectables, Highly Potent & Oncology, Small Molecules, and Oligonucleotides. We strive for excellence in supporting this network and are committed to delivering the highest quality products for patient well-being.
Our People VisionWe strive for excellence. We share our passion. Together, we make a difference in patients' lives.
SUMMARYLead legal advisor for Corden Pharma in the United States, responsible for providing pragmatic, business-oriented, legal support across Corden’s operations in Colorado and South Carolina. This role will provide strategic legal guidance, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage legal risks while partnering closely with business leaders.

In addition, the Director, Legal U.S. works closely with global legal and cross-functional teams and supports the General Counsel on selected international matters, strategic initiatives, integrations, and transactions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of complex commercial agreements and other business transactions for Corden Pharma in the United States, including manufacturing, supply, development, procurement, and capital project agreements
• Manage disputes affecting the U.S. business, including litigation, arbitration, and settlements, in coordination with external counsel as appropriate
• Monitor, advise, and develop mitigation strategies on legal and regulatory developments relevant to the U.S. business
• Provide practical, business-oriented legal advice to Corden Pharma’s U.S. functions and sites on commercial, corporate, compliance, operational, and other matters
• Develop and maintain legal templates, tools, policies, and guidance materials to support the business efficiently and consistently
• Provide legal training and practical guidance to internal stakeholders on relevant legal and compliance topics
• Work closely with global legal and cross-functional teams to support effective collaboration across functions, sites, and external stakeholders
• Lead legal projects as assigned by the General Counsel
• Support the General Counsel on strategic initiatives, integrations, M&A matters, and selected corporate finance transactions

LEADERSHIP & BUDGET  RESPONSIBILITIESAct as the primary legal partner for Site Leadership, translating complex legal concepts into actionable business strategies. Guide internal stakeholders through legal risks and compliance frameworks. Direct outside counsel and lead cross-functional risk management for the site. Assist in developing and managing site budget and all legal functions including outside counsel.
QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree, and admission to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
• Ten years of relevant legal experience, preferably in an international, fast-paced CDMO, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or manufacturing environment
• Strong grounding in U.S. commercial, contract, and corporate law, with sound judgment in identifying legal risk whilst facilitating the business
• Extensive experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial agreements independently
• Experience supporting major operational projects, including capital investment and construction matters, is an advantage
• Experience managing disputes, litigation, arbitration, and settlements in coordination with external counsel
• Strong business judgment, with the ability to influence and drive outcomes effectively across senior management and cross-functional stakeholders without formal reporting authority
• Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills, combined with a structured, pragmatic, and hands-on working style

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Domestic and international travel required.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strong grounding in U.S. commercial, contract, and corporate law, with sound judgment in identifying legal risk whilst facilitating the business
• Extensive experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial agreements independently
• Experience supporting major operational projects, including capital investment and construction matters, is an advantage
• Experience managing disputes, litigation, arbitration, and settlements in coordination with external counsel
• Strong business judgment, with the ability to influence and drive outcomes effectively across senior management and cross-functional stakeholders without formal reporting authority
• Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills, combined with a structured, pragmatic, and hands-on working style
• Fluency in English; additional language skills are a plus

 

SALARY

Actual pay will be based on your skills and experience.

 

BENEFITS

• 401(k) matching - Corden Pharma will contribute 100% of the first 6% - 100% vested after 2 years of service 
• Accident Plan
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Insurance PPO/HSA
• Hospital Indemnity Plan
• ID Theft Protection
• Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Wellness Program
• Vacation – Three Weeks 1st Year
• Vision Insurance

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Corden Pharma provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Corden Pharma embraces fair hiring practices.

This post will expire August 14, 2026