Senior Director, Legal

Role Summary

Centessa is seeking an experienced corporate/commercial lawyer to support the business as a Senior Legal Director. Reporting to the General Counsel and VP of Legal, this role will provide trusted legal guidance across a wide range of business activities within a globally operating pharmaceutical company. The position offers the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams, contributing to the execution of clinical, regulatory, and commercial objectives.

The role is well suited for an experienced legal professional who thrives in an environment that values initiative, sound judgment, and a pragmatic approach to risk management.

• Serve as a senior legal partner to the business, providing strategic and day-to-day legal support across a broad range of corporate, commercial, and operational matters.
• Lead the drafting, review, negotiation, and management of complex commercial agreements, including but not limited to:
  • Global clinical trial agreements
  • CRO and CDMO engagements
  • License, collaboration, and supply agreements
• Provide legal support for global clinical development activities, working across global jurisdictions and time zones.
• Advise internal stakeholders on legal risks, mitigation strategies, and commercially practical solutions that support business objectives.
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams (e.g., Clinical, Regulatory, Finance, Business Development, and Operations) in a highly collaborative, fast-moving environment.
• Support the General Counsel on corporate governance matters, including board and committee activities and corporate secretarial responsibilities.
• Assist with SEC compliance, including the preparation, review, and coordination of SEC filings.
• Share responsibility for the management and continuous improvement of the contracts repository, legal technology tools, and related processes.
• Support the development and delivery of legal training and guidance for internal stakeholders.
• Manage and coordinate external counsel globally to ensure high-quality, cost-effective, and business-focused legal support.
• Operate with a high degree of autonomy, judgment, and accountability in a dynamic, resource-constrained environment.

• J.D. or equivalent law degree; admission to practice law in at least one jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 5 years of legal experience, either:
  • As in-house counsel at a public pharmaceutical/life sciences company, or
  • As an attorney at an internationally recognized law firm, with a focus on life sciences or pharmaceuticals.
• Demonstrated experience drafting, negotiating, and managing complex commercial agreements in the pharmaceutical or life-sciences sector; experience with clinical trial agreements strongly preferred.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to deliver practical, solution-oriented legal advice in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience supporting SEC compliance and filings and/or FDA regulatory matters is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to manage external counsel efficiently and effectively across jurisdictions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels of the organization.
• Comfortable working across global time zones and handling multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Written and oral fluency in English is required.

• Work Location:
  
  Remote role based in the US or UK with business-related travel (approximately 15%).