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Lead Counsel Turkey

Istanbul, Istanbul
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At Takeda, we are guided by our purpose of creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. Every corporate function plays a role in making sure we — as a Takeda team — can discover and deliver life-transforming treatments, guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet.

People join Takeda because they share in our purpose. And they stay because we’re committed to an inclusive, safe and empowering work environment that offers exceptional experiences and opportunities for everyone to pursue their own ambitions.

Job ID R0151632 Date posted 05/08/2025 Location Istanbul, Istanbul

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Job Description

Are you looking for a patient-focused, innovation-driven company that will inspire you and empower you to shine? Join us as a Lead Counsel - Turkey in our Istanbul office.

At Takeda, we are transforming the pharmaceutical industry through our R&D-driven market leadership and being a values-led company. To do this, we empower our people to realize their potential through life-changing work. Certified as a Global Top Employer, we offer stimulating careers, encourage innovation, and strive for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our global teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.

We strive to broaden access to treatment and enhance standards of care for people wherever they live. We also focus on sustainably strengthening local health systems in low- and middle-income countries at every stage of the patient journey, while developing an end-to-end access approach to make our highly innovative medicines available as soon as practically possible.  Takeda is unwavering in our commitment to patients. With the patient at the center of everything we do, we continue to innovate and drive changes that will better their lives and we are looking for like-minded professionals to join us.

About the role
The Legal Counsel, Lead Counsel II provides expert legal advice and strategic guidance on complex legal matters to support Takeda's business operations. This role involves researching, analyzing, and interpreting laws, managing legal risks, and representing the organization in various legal forums.

OBJECTIVES:

  • Contribute to the success of Takeda by acting as key legal contact for Turkey and providing professional and proactive legal support in all areas including medical affairs, commercial, HR, finance, marketing, regulatory, operations, market access and procurement
  • Serve as a core member of the Country Leadership Team, contributing to the affiliate’s strategic direction and representing Legal in cross-functional decision-making
  • Lead through influence by guiding cross-functional teams on legal topics, fostering legal awareness and integrity across the affiliate
  • Ensure that Takeda is doing business in Turkey in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, with Takeda policies
  • Identify legal issues, legal options, analyse possible legal solutions, and give recommendations for critical issues so that business and legal objectives are met

ACCOUNTABILITIES

  • Provide legal advice on business-related areas with a focus on both strategic impact and day-to-day operations
  • Research, analyze, and interpret laws, statutes and regulations
  • Identify, monitor, and address issues of legal risk
  • Provide strategic direction and exhibit leadership through legal expertise
  • Structure, draft, negotiate and approve a wide range of commercial agreements including distribution, manufacturing and supply, promotional activities, HCP related agreements, licenses, sales, purchases contracts, consultancy, leases etc., as well as non-commercial agreements including patient support/assistance programs, patient access, grants, donations, market access etc
  • Develop and implement legal compliance policies and procedures
  • Act as a business partner for the various functions and stakeholders in Turkey and at times cross-regionally as a member of the wider Takeda legal team
  • Act as a key liaison with regional and global Legal & Compliance teams to align Turkey’s legal operations with global standards and initiatives
  • Attend leadership meetings or other meetings with Takeda leaders periodically to provide input on ongoing legal matters
  • Proactively engage with the legal, IP and other functions in relation to corporate restructuring and BD activities such as M&As and licensing
  • Establish and maintain a robust legal know-how framework to ensure that:
    • Takeda is date with any changes in legislation related directly up to or indirectly to the pharmaceutical industry and Takeda’s activities;
    • the relevant internal stakeholders are aware of such changes; and
    • the necessary steps are taken to comply with such changes (where applicable)
  • Provide assistance in corporate governance matters including maintaining licenses and other corporate documentation of the Takeda entities in Turkey and ensuring that any required changes in such entities are made promptly and in accordance with local laws and internal SOPs
  • Represent Takeda in external legal matters, including interactions with regulatory authorities and industry associations
  • Assist the HR function in managing all personnel issues from a legal perspective
  • Represent the organization in litigation, arbitration, and mediation; perform pre-litigation work to minimize risks and maximize legal rights
  • Provide legal support to internal and external audits and investigations
  • Manage external counsel and legal budget
  • Provide coaching, guidance, and training to company employees on various legal topics
  • Prepare periodic status reports showing status of ongoing legal issues
  • Participate in the development of the legal function, follow up on work activities, projects and programs, monitor the workflow and review work methods and procedures
  • Suggest plans and programs to boost the effectiveness of the Legal function
  • Act at all times in accordance with the Takeda-ism parameters and maintain a professional and balanced demeanor

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Law degree from a recognized law school with strong academic credentials.
  • Qualified lawyer/legal practitioner member of recognized bar/law society in good standing
  • At least 8 years of post-qualification legal experience preferably in corporate, commercial, or healthcare
  • Demonstrated experience of independently working in a dynamic and challenging environment, either in a law firm or a legal department of multinational company
  • Previous experience in the pharmaceutical or similar industry

CORE COMPETENCIES

  • Independence in conducting legal research and providing legal advice in routine and complex situations
  • Excellent English drafting and written communication skills
  • Public speaking skills and techniques
  • Good knowledge of the budget process in multinational companies
  • Pragmatic approach to problem-solving and risk-taking
  • Ability to explain complex legal terms in simple language
  • Excellent legal skills and commercial acumen
  • Positive and “can do” attitude
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to drive organizational change
  • Ability to prioritize and work under pressure
  • Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with leaders within the organization
  • Team player, doer, result oriented, takes initiative, organizational skills, ability to bring people on board, high ethics and integrity

We create a diverse, inclusive, safe, open and collaborative working environment in which employees can contribute, perform and grow as individuals.

Takeda is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment and to having a workforce that is as diverse as the patients we serve and the communities where we’re based. To achieve that inclusivity, we embrace and celebrate our differences, respecting and valuing each other regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or physical appearance.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

  • Local and international travel from time to time

Locations

Istanbul, Turkey

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time
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Success profile

What makes a successful team member within Corporate at Takeda?

  • Collaborative
  • Strategic
  • Insightful
  • Results driven
  • Goal-oriented
  • Achiever
The environment is dynamic and evolving, so you have to be adaptable.

Maciej Niedospial - Business Reporting Manager

I’m fortunate enough to work with a highly skilled, diverse and dedicated bunch of people, and for that, I’m grateful! My colleagues continue to amaze me.

Sheelagh Gartlan - Recruitment Business Partner

Takeda is a company that emphasizes diversity and inclusion. By bringing people together who have diverse backgrounds, competencies, and personalities, innovation and ideas grow.

Michelle Chen - Human Resources Manager

  • Impact across generations Partnership brings together world-leading plasma companies to focus on developing and delivering a hyperimmune immunoglobulin in the global fight against COVID-19.
  • Takeda Scoops Global Top Employers® Award Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited today announced it has become part of a select group of only 15 to receive Top Global Employer® status for 2024.

Working at Takeda

  • Inclusion

    Here, you will feel welcomed, respected, and valued as a vital contributor to our global team.
  • Collaboration

    A strong, borderless team, we strive together towards our priorities and inspiring mission.
  • Innovation

    Bold initiatives, continuous improvement, and creativity are at the heart of how we bring scientific breakthroughs from the lab to patients.
  • Top Workplace

    Recognized for our culture and way of working, we’re one of only 17 companies to receive Top Global Employer® status for 2024.
  • Work-Life

    Our people-first mission extends beyond patients to include their families, communities, and our own Takeda family.
  • Empowerment

    Through trust and respect, you will have genuine support from leaders, managers, and colleagues to do your best work.

We're Steadfast In Our Commitment to Four Key Imperatives

Patient


Responsibly translate science into highly innovative medicines and accelerate access to improve lives worldwide.

People


Create an exceptional people experience.

Planet


Protect our planet.

Data & Digital


Transform Takeda into the most trusted, data-driven, outcomes-based biopharmaceutical company.

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