Ferring Ventures SA (FVSA) is a stealth-mode in-house venture company and, together with its sister company Ferring Pharmaceuticals – a privately owned research-driven biopharmaceutical company with revenues of €2,2 billion and operations in more than 50 countries – is part of the Ferring Foundation, owned by the Paulsen Family. Ferring Ventures SA, based in Switzerland, was founded in 2014, and is dedicated to the discovery, development, manufacturing and distribution of novel gene and cell therapies and innovative platforms. The Ferring Ventures S.A. group of companies includes research and development facilities in Europe and the United States, as well as manufacturing facilities in Finland. The private nature of FVSA allows for a long-term approach to invest in ground-breaking innovative platforms that have the potential to transform the lives of patients. The company vision entails u nlocking venture value through entrepreneurship and agility. The proximity to its sister company Ferring Pharmaceuticals facilitates access to highly specialized resources while giving strategic flexibility for FVSA to pursue investments that are not necessarily aligned with the current scope of the pharmaceutical arm therapeutic commercial focus areas.
THE OPPORTUNITY AND THE CANDIDATE
As a result of the growth of the Ferring Ventures business, the company now seeks to recruit an experienced and qualified lawyer to oversee legal and IP activities. Reporting to Managing Director, the position will be highly strategic in nature and reflective of its stature within the company.
The successful candidate should fulfil the following experience and attributes:
- Law degree and full civil law Bar qualification from a recognized European jurisdiction. Candidates with both a civil and common law qualification would be ideal.
- Minimum of 10 – 12 years’ experience as a lawyer in the biotechnology (preferred) industry (or pharma), with relevant international experience.
- Expertise in M&A and corporate transactions.
- A seasoned lawyer in R&D legal issues.
- Expertise in IP issues and strategy.
- Expertise in negotiating and drafting complex agreements.
- Experience in a global leadership role with ability to deal at board level.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Willingness to travel regularly on an international basis.
Prospective candidates should also possess the following personal attributes and qualities:
- Hands-on, self-motivated team-player, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, while able to work independently.
- Strong organizational skills, proactive and result oriented.
- Excellent written/verbal communication and negotiation skills.
- Strong business acumen, curious and willingness to continuously learn and work beyond their comfort zone.
- Ability to juggle multiple deals / tasks at one time whilst remaining responsive to internal clients’ requests.
- Strong work ethic, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with cross-functional teams.
- Assertive and able to play an active role as a partner to the business team.
- Flexibility to work and communicate with colleagues in different time zones.