This Senior Manager role plays a critical part in supporting DePuy Synthes’ Legal & Compliance function across Portugal, MISSA, and Belgium. The position partners closely with business leaders to ensure that operations comply with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies while enabling business growth. This is an opportunity to lead regional legal strategies, manage risk, and influence decision-making in a dynamic, international healthcare environment. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Provide strategic legal support for distributor and indirect market operations, advising the business on the structuring, appointment, management, and termination of distributor relationships across multiple jurisdictions  

• Draft, review and negotiate complex commercial agreements relating to distributor markets, including distribution, agency, channel partner, sales, supply, marketing, service, and related commercial arrangements 

• Support business growth in distributor markets by enabling expansion, managing legal risk in new channel models, and developing pragmatic, scalable legal solutions that balance compliance with commercial objectives. 

• Manage disputes and performance issues involving distributors and channel partners, including escalation, enforcement of contractual rights, and coordination with external counsel where required 

• Provide legal guidance to business leaders across Portugal, MISSA, and South Africa to ensure alignment with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies 

• Manage and oversee legal risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and compliance initiatives across assigned markets 

• Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders, partnering cross-functionally with commercial, finance, compliance, and other teams 

• Serve as liaison with external counsel and regulatory bodies, ensuring effective management of legal matters and outside counsel activities 

• Drive consistency and efficiency in legal processes, including development and implementation of policies, procedures, and tools 

• Lead and support regional legal projects and initiatives aligned with business priorities and organizational strategy 

• Monitor and interpret legal and regulatory developments, providing proactive guidance and training to impacted teams 

• Support ethics, compliance training initiatives, and promote a strong culture of integrity across the region. 

• Champion the transformation of legal service delivery through the effective use of AI, automation, digital platforms, and emerging technologies. 

• Reimagine legal workflows and operating models to deliver legal services  more efficiently to drive greater business value 

Qualifications 

Education: 

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree recognised in a relevant jurisdiction (eg England, EU, US or South Africa) required 

• Admission to practice law in a relevant jurisdiction  

• Advanced business or legal specialization (e.g., LLM, MBA) preferred 

Experience and Skills: 

Required: 

• Typically requires at least 8-10 years of relevant legal experience in a corporate or law firm environment aligned with manager-level roles 

• Strong knowledge of international legal and regulatory frameworks, particularly within healthcare or MedTech industries 

• Proven ability to identify, assess, and mitigate legal and compliance risks in complex, multi-country environments 

• Experience managing contract drafting, negotiation, and execution across a variety of business agreements 

• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and provide clear, practical legal advice to business leaders 

• Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives 

• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills 

Preferred: 

• Experience supporting operations across Europe, Middle East, or Africa regions 

• Prior experience in Legal & Compliance within a global matrix organization 

• Familiarity with healthcare regulations, commercial compliance, and industry standards 

• Exposure to legal technology tools, process optimization, and automation initiatives 

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving business environment 

• Strong business acumen with a collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset 

Other: 

• Languages: English required; additional European or regional languages (e.g., Portuguese) are a plus 

• Travel: Up to 25% international travel may be required 

• Certifications: Active legal qualification/license preferred 

For more information on how we support the whole health of our employees throughout their wellness, career and life journey, please visit www.careers.jnj.com.