Head of Legal, Compliance, Privacy & Risk at Roche, Johannesburg

Head of Legal, Compliance, Privacy & Risk

The Position

Roche Pharma in Johannesburg has a key vacancy for a Head of Legal, Compliance, Privacy & Risk.

We are seeking a legal expert with sharp analytical thinking, a passion for compliance, and an impeccable sense of integrity to join our dynamic team. This pivotal executive role supports the company’s operations by managing legal, compliance, and risk strategies in alignment with Roche corporate standards and relevant legislation. You will be instrumental in protecting the company’s legal interests while driving our vision of excellence.

Key Responsibilities

As the Legal, Compliance, Privacy, Risk Lead, you will:

• Strategy & Planning: Shape and drive both strategic and operational plans for the Legal and Compliance function.
• Oversight: Oversee legal, compliance, and risk management with a focus on corporate governance and adherence to legislation.
• Organizational Contribution: Contribute to the broader organizational strategy and manage transformation initiatives.
• Corporate Governance: Act as the Company Secretary, supporting board activities, maintaining corporate records, and ensuring policy implementation aligns with international best practices.
• Data Privacy: Serve as the Data Privacy Officer, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations such as POPIA and PAIA, and managing related compliance risks.

Key Challenges (Strategic Focus)

• Strategic Leadership: Develop long-term legal and compliance strategies that align with the company’s vision and ensure effective implementation with measurable outcomes.
• Risk Management: Proactively manage affiliate and healthcare risk frameworks, minimize legal exposure, and safeguard organizational interests.
• Governance Expertise: Offer advisory support on legal disputes, audits, and board-level decision-making while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.
• Driving Transformation: Proactively address compliance gaps, build robust legal templates, and provide world-class training on legal and compliance matters.
• Operational Efficiency: Track performance, implement corrective actions, and ensure decisions align with financial commitments and strategic priorities.
• People Leadership: Inspire, manage, and mentor a high-performing team, fostering personal and professional growth.

Who You Are (Ideal Candidate)

You are a seasoned legal professional known for strategic foresight, a solid understanding of legislation, and a deep commitment to integrity and compliance.

Qualifications & Experience

• An LLB or equivalent degree and admitted Attorney or Advocate.
• 10+ years of legal commercial experience in corporate environments.
• Multinational experience, specifically within the Pharmaceutical/Medical industries, is essential.
• 3-5 years of executive management and/or board experience.
• Expertise in the Companies Act, Labour Legislation, Data Protection Laws (POPIA/PAIA), and general contracting. Pharmaceutical or Competition Law experience is a bonus.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional analytical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
• Strong leadership, resource management, and relationship-building skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication tailored to multiple stakeholder levels.
• A proactive approach to policy adaptation and governance, enabling innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• High levels of political savvy and situational responsiveness, ensuring success in dynamic and regulated environments.

Required Mindset

• Demonstrates integrity, maturity, and self-management.
• Passionate about developing teams, driving collaboration, and advancing organizational health.
• Approaches challenges with curiosity, resilience, and a relentless focus on solutions that align with the company’s mission.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally as needed.

Why Join Roche?

This is more than just a legal and compliance role—it’s an opportunity to shape the future of a progressive, globally recognized organization. You will be empowered to make impactful decisions, supported by exceptional colleagues, in a collaborative environment where integrity meets innovation.

At Roche, our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections. We are dedicated to advancing science and ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come.

If this speaks to your expertise and passion, we encourage you to apply.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.