Head of Legal and Compliance, Turkey
Biogen
About This Role
The Head of Legal and Compliance provides legal and compliance oversight, guidance and counseling to the Turkey management team and the affiliate generally. The head drives a robust corporate culture that embraces integrity in our operations, consistent with the core values and principles of Biogen Code of Conduct.
This is a leadership role with country and global engagement. As a legal advisor and business partner to the affiliate team and the General Manager, the Head of Legal and Compliance works with the country to (1) implement a strategic and integrated compliance plan to continuously assess and enhance business processes while maintaining controls that are effective in managing identified risks and (2) provide timely legal advice and strategic business support. The role is expected to understand the complex landscape of global risk, reputational risk, local legal and regulatory risk, and local codes and ethics standards as it pertains to and impacts the activities conducted by the organization.
The role reports separately into the Legal Department and the Corporate Compliance Department. It is expected that the role will split his time evenly (50/50) between Legal and Compliance responsibilities.
What You'll Do
Principal Corporate Compliance Responsibilities (Turkey)
Design and pull through of a compliance strategic plan consistent with the Global Corporate Compliance strategy, the Company’s business strategy and aligned with local needs and requirements.
Design and maintain systems and records of management decisions, policies, processes, trainings, assessments, remediation plans, investigations, and enforcement actions in line with the Corporate Compliance handbook.
Provide advice and guidance to the business on compliance matters, including interactions and practices with health care professionals, government officials, health care institutions, patients and patient associations.
Actively engage the leadership team in driving the tone from the top in integrity and championing a speak-up and transparent culture.
Deliver training and communications to affiliate personnel on compliance topics.
Design and maintain the architecture and excellence in effectiveness of policies, procedures, and controls through continuous monitoring of operational effectiveness, assessment and redesign or enhancement as needed.
Conduct periodic risk assessments to identify and rank risks to help define prioritization of resources and activities.
Execute comprehensive monitoring strategies informed by risk assessments and supported by data and technology to identify key risks and emerging trends for management reporting, including thorough root cause analysis. Contribute to the development of effective audit remediation plans.
Ensure accountability through enforcement of relevant policies and applicable regulations.
Ensure allegations of Compliance misconduct are timely reported.
Actively follow compliance trends in the market and regulatory environment including in business practices and evolving compliance-related legislation and engage in local trade and compliance associations.
Act as representative in the compliance group of the local industry association(s), ensuring compliance training and education is given to all employees (e.g. FCPA, COBC and other internal business conduct policies and rules) with escalation of issues to Chief Compliance Officer.
Principal Legal Responsibilities (Turkey)
To be an active member of the management committee(s). In this capacity the Head of Legal and Compliance Officer is expected to attend and to actively contribute to discussions and decisions at management committee meetings, providing prompt legal support, bringing good judgment and offering practical legal solutions to challenges facing the affiliates.
Support the affiliate’s business operations / internal departments on all legal matters, with excellent drafting and communication skills. Provide legal support for commercial contract negotiations, public procurement, competition law, data privacy, etc.
As directed, conduct internal investigations and maintain confidentiality of information.
Work with Commercial, Market Access, Medical and Sales departments to provide strategic and effective legal support for launching new products and supporting marketed products.
Review commercial and medical materials, as well as non-promotional disease state/scientific materials, as needed.
Effectively select and manage relationship and expense with external counsel. Ensure that the best lawyers are engaged for specific matters.
Act as representative in the legal group of the local industry association, ensuring legal training and education is given to all employees (e.g. FCPA, internal business conduct policies and rules) with escalation of issues to Chief Commercial & International Counsel.
And other job duties that may be assigned. May be modified at any time as business needs require.
Who You Are
You are a strategic and pragmatic leader who combines strong legal expertise with a deep understanding of compliance in highly regulated environments. You are comfortable operating in complex, ambiguous settings and are able to balance risk management with business needs.
You bring strong influencing skills and credibility with senior stakeholders, and you are recognized for your ability to foster a culture of integrity while enabling business performance. You thrive in collaborative, cross-functional environments and are comfortable working with a high level of autonomy.
Required Skills
Law degree and active qualification to practice law (or equivalent authorization) in Turkey
10+ years Legal experience with a least 5 years of Compliance experience (in house)
Strong knowledge of local pharmaceutical regulations and codes
Experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or other highly regulated industry (medical device)
Excellent business judgment, stakeholder management, and communication skills in Turkish and English (written and spoken)
Demonstrated ability to advise on risk in regulated environments and to partner effectively with cross-functional teams in a multinational company.
Experience with compliance program management, HCP/HCO engagements oversight and oversight of third-party intermediaries.
Experience managing complex projects, including overseeing external vendors.
Able to work at a high level of autonomy and has proven that he/she is able to competently lead a complex area of responsibility that requires significant experience and skilled judgment.
Business-focused, collaborative and process oriented.
Ability to manage ambiguity and provide pragmatic solutions whilst strengthening a strong compliance culture.
Why Biogen?
We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.
At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired. Read on to learn more about our DE&I efforts.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Biogen is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.