General Counsel (EU/RoW) & Company Secretary – Pharming Group N.V.

Our Client

Pharming  is commercializing and developing an innovative portfolio of protein replacement therapies and precision medicines, including small molecules, biologics, and gene therapies that are in early to late-stage development. Pharming is headquartered in Leiden, Netherlands, and has employees around the globe who serve patients in over 30 markets in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.

Due to the growth of the organization, Pharming is currently looking for a highly qualified General Counsel & Corporate Secretary to join the leadership team and contribute to their mission. The General Counsel & Corporate Secretary reports to the Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer.

The Position

As General Counsel, you will play a pivotal role in further shaping the legal and governance structure of Pharming Group. Leading a legal team of five professionals dedicated to support Pharming’s operations in the EU and the rest of the world (excluding the US), you will play a key role in defining the vision for the department. You and your team will be responsible for managing legal risks, navigating complex regulatory landscapes, and ensuring that Pharming’s operations remain fully aligned with both legal requirements and business goals.

As Corporate Secretary, you will oversee the governance framework, ensuring best practices are followed and that the Board of Directors and Executive Committee can confidently discharge their responsibilities. With Pharming’s dual public listing, you will ensure compliance with the highest corporate governance standards.

You will be part of a leadership team, collaborating with departments like Compliance (Business Integrity) and the US Legal team. This is a rare opportunity to influence business strategy while shaping legal frameworks for a company making strides in biotechnology.

Key Responsibilities:

• Legal Team Leadership and Development: Lead and inspire a team of five dedicated legal professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Drive efficient legal processes and a forward-thinking approach as Pharming continues its international expansion.
• Corporate law advice and support: providing adequate legal support to the Executive Committee and senior management, on all aspects of Dutch corporate, securities and contract law, particularly in areas like financing transactions, M&A, and business development.
• Business Partnering: working hand-in-hand with senior leaders to achieve operational goals. Your practical legal advice will help mitigate emerging legal risks while keeping Pharming ahead of regulatory challenges.
• Corporate Secretary and Governance duties: ensure that Pharming’s one-tier board and Executive Committee function effectively. You will be a go-to advisor on governance matters, and ensure smooth operations for all governance activities, including meeting organization and record-keeping.
• Governance Structure & Frameworks: Develop and implement governance frameworks and structures for the effective management of group entities, and ensure that legal standards and corporate governance structures are fully compliant across the organization.

Your Profile

• A university degree in Law and 15+ years of legal experience in an international corporate and commercial business environment, of which a relevant period in a leadership role within the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry;
• In-depth understanding of the legal and regulatory framework affecting the pharmaceutical/healthcare industry;
• Solid experience with Dutch Corporate law and Corporate Governance at a listed company;
• Experience leading and inspiring a legal team with a hands-on and collaborative management style;
• Strong business acumen, ability to act as a business partner to senior management;
• Proven ability to manage legal risks in a dynamic, regulated environment;
• Fluent in English; Dutch proficiency is a plus.

The Offer

At Pharming, you’ll join a passionate and forward-thinking team dedicated to making a difference in patients’ lives. As part of the leadership team, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the company. Pharming offers excellent working conditions and hybrid working.