Head Counsel, Global Transactions & Contracts – DD&T & Business Partner

About the role

Takeda is looking for a senior legal leader to head the Global Transactions & Contracts Legal team for Data, Digital & Technology (DD&T) and Business Partner functions. Based in Zurich, the Head Counsel will guide a group of attorneys and legal professionals in delivering pragmatic, business‑focused advice on high‑impact, high‑risk transactions across multiple jurisdictions.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the team in providing legal advice and support for strategic transactions and enterprise contracts, including software, cloud, data licensing, AI, machine learning, digital health, benefits administration, recruitment, contingent workforce, consulting and BPO agreements.
• Directly manage complex, high‑risk transactions and serve as the primary escalation point for material legal issues.
• Oversee pre‑contract activities such as due diligence, sourcing models, deal structures and risk assessments.
• Provide post‑signing support on contract interpretation, disputes, amendments, renewals and terminations.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Legal Operations and other Takeda legal teams to build an integrated contracting infrastructure and enable business objectives.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in corporate, commercial or technology‑focused legal practice, preferably within a multinational environment.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a team of legal professionals.
• Strong understanding of regional legal nuances and evolving regulatory frameworks across multiple jurisdictions.
• Excellent judgment in balancing legal risk with business priorities.

Required skills

• Expertise in negotiating and drafting software, cloud, data licensing, AI/ML and digital health agreements.
• Knowledge of procurement processes and contract lifecycle management.
• Ability to assess and mitigate legal risk in complex transactions.