Director, Contracts Attorney

Using living cells to treat – and sometimes even cure – cancer is one of the most dramatic advances in modern medicine. Patients with hematologic malignancies have been successfully treated with cell therapies. However, these profound results have not yet been achieved in patients with solid tumors, representing approximately 90% of all cancers. At Lyell, our goal is to change that. We are a clinical-stage T-cell reprogramming company advancing a diverse pipeline of cell therapies for solid tumors based on our innovative technologies. We were founded by cell therapy pioneers whose decades of research elevated the broader understanding of T-cell biology and its interaction with cancer. In our quest to defeat solid tumors, we have built a fully integrated company capable of discovering new technologies, translating science into therapies, manufacturing cell therapy products, and clinically evaluating them in patients. Our culture is based on Science, Respect, Collaboration, and Courage and reflects who we are, the environment we create, and our mission's urgency.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The individual in this role is responsible for overseeing the contracts function, emphasizing the negotiation and execution of a wide range of company contracts. This role will lead the continuous improvement of the contracts program, driving efficiencies and improving the legal and business team experiences. The incumbent will work with the business owners, the Legal team, and outside counsel to manage the legal aspects of the contracts program. 

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead the drafting, review, interpretation, negotiation, and execution of day-to-day, high-risk vendor-based agreements such as master services agreements, supply/purchase agreements, technology transfer agreements, and material transfer agreements while appropriately engaging the Legal team or outside counsel for complicated agreements, terms, or negotiations.
• Serve as liaison between outside counsel and business owners for high-risk/high-value transactions and escalate appropriate issues for senior-level decision-making
• Partner with business owners to obtain and incorporate business input on business issues raised by the contract, advising business owners of potential risks and discussing mitigation options and otherwise drive contract negotiations to completion
• Training Lyell employees on the Standard Operating Procedure for the review of contracts and related processes
• Oversee junior attorneys, paralegals, and/or consultants in the drafting, review, interpretation, negotiation, and execution of routine agreements, such as confidentiality, material transfer, consulting, services, and clinical trial-related agreements.
• Develop and maintain an alternative language library to facilitate quick turnaround of contracts.
• Assist the Legal team with complicated or strategic transactions, corporate compliance, or other areas of law where legal support is required.
• Lead the continuous improvement of the Legal function’s operations through problem-solving, strategic planning, project management, process and systems improvement, and financial/budget management.

PREFERRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

• JD from an accredited Law School with a minimum of 15 years experience 
• Minimum ten years of contract management-level experience within a contract function of a life science/biotech company.
• Significant demonstrated experience with an electronic document management system or contract management system.
• Proven experience negotiating all types of vendor-based and other company agreements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office or similar software programs and computer applications.
• Self-motivated team player with solid communication and leadership skills.
• Able to make decisions quickly and effectively.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Able to prioritize multiple responsibilities under business objectives.
• Able to anticipate/spot legal and business issues in contracts.
• Able to work cross-functionally, taking the initiative to ensure corporate policies are followed.
• Able and willing to take on additional roles and functions to support the law department and company operations.
• High personal and business ethics.
• Understands and supports a “patient-first” mentality.

 

 

Our Employee Benefits program is extensive and includes subsidized medical, dental, and vision plans from your first day of employment, FSA, Company provided Life and AD&D Insurance as well as STD and LTD Insurance, ESPP, a 401(k) Plan with Company match, mass transit commuter benefits, cell phone reimbursement and a range of supplemental benefits that you may choose to elect. Our paid time-off benefits include 18 days’ vacation, nine days’ sick leave, eight observed holidays, and a floating holiday. We also have a summer and a winter office shutdown. More information on our extensive benefits offering can be found here.

 

At Lyell, we believe that the highest-performing teams include people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences who respectfully challenge each other. We are committed to building an open, diverse and inclusive culture for all employees. Lyell is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state and local laws.

 

We’ve learned from experience that some of the best people don’t always match our requirements perfectly - if you’re interested and think you could fit, please don’t hesitate to apply.