Sr. Counsel – Regulatory ((m/w/d)/x)

Job Description

This brand-new position offers a unique opportunity to shape the processes and be a member of the legal team, driving Avantor's operations across Europe and in Germany. Reporting to the VP & Deputy General Counsel, Regulatory, you'll play a pivotal role in navigating complex regulatory frameworks across Europe, with a strong emphasis on product regulatory compliance and trade regulations. You will provide strategic legal counsel to Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, and Commercial leadership as well as provide expert support to other Avantor lawyers to mitigate legal risks. Ideally you have experience in the pharmaceutical, medical device, chemical or other highly regulated industries and possess a high degree of business acumen and understand business drivers and you are able to influence policy development and mitigate legal risks to the company to enable the business to grow and thrive in a dynamic evolving global landscape.


  • Legal Advisory: Provide expert legal advice and guidance to senior management and legal colleagues on European regulations, directives, and policies impacting the business, including REACH, CLP, MDR/IVDR, GMP guidelines, pharmaceutical and/or medical device law, regulations and guidance related to the development of and commercialization of products, import/export law and environmental regulations.
  • Regulatory Liaison Experience: Proven ability to engage with regulatory authorities (i.e. EMA, ECHA, NCAs), draft regulatory responses, facilitate audits, and advocate for the company in policy discussions.
  • Compliance Oversight: Develop and implement compliance strategies to ensure adherence to European regulatory requirements including adherence to EU and international trade regulations, including customs classifications, Incoterms, duty drawback processes, and trade sanctions. Conduct investigations as directed.
  • Quality Assurance: Direct support for compliance audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.

(Click apply to see full list of responsibilities)


  • Education: Law degree (LLM or equivalent) and registered as an attorney in at least one European jurisdiction.
  • Experience: 10+ years of legal experience, preferably from working for a leading law firm and/or multinational corporation, with 5-7 years of experience specializing in European regulatory law within the pharmaceutical, chemical, medical device or other highly regulated industries. Experience collaborating across a matrixed business and legal environment.
  • Expertise: In-depth knowledge of EU regulatory frameworks, including CLP, REACH, and GMP guidelines.
  • Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, excellent communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.


Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.

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