Associate Director, Legal Counsel
Location Cork, Ireland Workstyle Hybrid ApplyWho We Are
BioMarin is a global biotechnology company that relentlessly pursues bold science to translate genetic discoveries into new medicines that advance the future of human health.
Since our founding in 1997, we have applied our scientific expertise in understanding the underlying causes of genetic conditions to create transformative medicines, using a number of treatment modalities.
Using our unparalleled expertise in genetics and molecular biology, we develop medicines for patients with significant unmet medical need. We enlist the best of the best – people with the right technical expertise and a relentless drive to solve real problems – and create an environment that empowers our teams to pursue bold, innovative science. With this distinctive approach to drug discovery, we’ve produced a diverse pipeline of commercial, clinical and preclinical candidates that have well-understood biology and provide an opportunity to be first-to-market or offer a substantial benefit over existing therapeutic options.
About Corporate Groups
It takes a village, and at BioMarin our corporate groups are the people behind our success. Groups such as IT, Finance, Legal, Global Compliance & Ethics, and our People Team provide foundational support of all areas of operation at BioMarin.
Associate Director, Legal Counsel - Shanbally
Hybrid role 2 days per week onsite
Closing Date: 27 March 2026
The ex-US legal function supports almost 80 countries worldwide across both the Business Units and the International business and supports all BioMarin products. With lawyers and Contract Associates spread across the globe in Ireland, Japan, Hong Kong, Brazil and Columbia the department is a high performing, agile function that provides legal support for all commercial, corporate, G&A, tax, pricing, manufacturing, real estate and operating issues that may arise outside the U.S.
The role of Associate Director, Legal Counsel is an exceptional and rare opportunity for a lawyer with a proven track record who wants to excel in industry. The position will require the desire to develop an extensive range of skills as well as gain experience across all elements of the pharmaceutical sector. You will need to be tenacious, a quick learner and willing to take on any challenge. This position will give the right individual the opportunity to work with an experienced team and learn all the necessary skills to succeed and excel as an in-house pharmaceutical lawyer.
The Associate Director, Legal Counsel will report into and work closely with and under the direction of the Executive Director, Head of EUCAN Legal as well as work closely with GVP, Deputy General Counsel, International Legal and will focus on:
- Providing legal support across, primarily, the EUCAN region for corporate, technical and commercial operations
- Drafting and negotiating a range of commercial contracts and providing general commercial support to the business as needed and directed
- Drafting and negotiating a range of manufacturing, supply chain and other contracts
- Developing an understanding of the business in order to provide effective legal support
- Assist in providing training on specific legal/risk areas
- Be part of broader global/legal projects as appropriate as they arise
- Undertake relevant training and CPD as required and approved
Profile
The Associate Director, Legal Counsel should have:-
- Ideally 4-7 years PQE as a qualified lawyer (but applications will be considered on merit irrespective of PQE)
- Relevant law firm or industry experience (preferred but not essential)
- Keen to embrace and understand all areas of the law relevant to the in-house practice of a pharmaceutical lawyer
- Strong commercial acumen
- Strong legal drafting skills
- Strong presentation skills
- Strong desire to learn with good analytical and problem-solving skills
- An ability to work as a member of an international team
- A desire to learn and develop in the role
Experience for role in general
- Must have enthusiasm to forge strong relationships and for becoming a business partner with a strong commitment to customer service and legal compliance
- Strong task-focused work ethic with a demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines and commitments
- Capable of taking and interpreting instruction but with the confidence to ask questions
- Willingness to embrace change and be agile and adaptable
- Occasional travel in the region and to the U.S is anticipate.
Note: This description is not intended to be all-inclusive or a limitation of the duties of the position. It is intended to describe the general nature of the job that may include other duties as assumed or assigned.
Note: This description is not intended to be all-inclusive, or a limitation of the duties of the position. It is intended to describe the general nature of the job that may include other duties as assumed or assigned.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.