Legal & Compliance Manager (Pharma)

About the role

As the Legal & Compliance Manager for Novo Nordisk South Africa, you will be the primary advisor on legal and business ethics matters, ensuring that every decision keeps patients at the centre of our operations. This office‑based position offers significant autonomy and direct impact on the affiliate’s compliance landscape.

Key responsibilities

• Provide proactive legal and compliance advice, training and risk assessments in line with Novo Nordisk policies and South African law.
• Manage the full contract lifecycle, including drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial, procurement and partnership agreements.
• Advise on data privacy matters under POPIA, acting as deputy Data Protection Officer and deputy Information Officer.
• Support litigation related to counterfeit goods, competition law, patents and loss of exclusivity, coordinating with external counsel as required.
• Implement the Global and International Operations Business Ethics Compliance Plan within the affiliate.
• Monitor legal trends and regulatory developments in South Africa and share insights with leadership.
• Identify, manage and mitigate legal and compliance risks across all affiliate activities, including third‑party due diligence.

Required profile

• Law degree from a recognised university; membership of the relevant legal bar or law society is desired.
• Minimum 5 years of legal experience, with at least 2 years in the pharmaceutical or medical‑devices industry.
• Deep knowledge of pharmaceutical regulation, clinical‑trials legislation and business‑ethics compliance in a healthcare setting.
• Proven ability to act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and to work collaboratively across functions.

Required skills

• Contract drafting and negotiation
• Data‑privacy compliance (POPIA)
• Litigation coordination
• Regulatory risk assessment