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Vice President, Corporate Legal

South San Francisco, California, United States

About Us 

Kardigan is a heart health company working to make cardiovascular disease preventable, curable and no longer the leading cause of death in the world. It is our mission to develop multiple targeted treatments in parallel that bring people with cardiovascular diseases to the cures they deserve. 

At Kardigan, we are motivated by our values which guide how we work, interact, and achieve our goals. Driven by patients and their families, we are deeply committed to improving the lives of patients and prioritizing their needs above all else. We believe in being authentic—leading with truth to bring out the best in others by creating an environment where every person knows they will be fully accepted. With an eagerness to learn, we encourage the highest levels of curiosity and are open to changing our minds. We are committed to winning as a team with urgency, excellence, and intention, and support each other no matter what role we play or where we sit. Lastly, we strive to enable the impossible because patients are counting on us. We are not afraid to take risks to unlock innovation and advance scientific discoveries.   

These values are the foundation of our work, empowering us to make a real difference, every day.  

 

Position Title: Vice President, Corporate Legal

Department: Legal 

Reports To: General Counsel & Corporate Secretary 

 

Job Overview 

Kardigan is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Vice President to lead our corporate legal function. As the VP, Corporate Legal, you will help oversee the company’s corporate legal matters, including legal contracts operations and processes, corporate governance, securities law compliance, and general corporate strategy. This role will provide guidance and leadership to a growing team of legal professionals while collaborating with senior leadership across departments. The VP, Corporate Legal will play a key role in driving corporate strategy, ensuring legal compliance, and supporting the company’s long-term business objectives. This is a unique opportunity to build and lead the corporate law group at a company with both early and late stage programs. 

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Lead and develop a high-performing corporate legal team, providing mentorship and guidance. Foster a collaborative and innovative environment, ensuring the legal team supports the company’s mission and strategic initiatives. 
  • Leverage experience in the biotechnology/biopharmaceutical industry to navigate the complex legal and regulatory environment specific to life sciences companies, particularly with respect to research and development agreements, clinical trials, and strategic partnerships 
  • Build and manage the legal contracts function, including clinical, commercial and manufacturing agreements and complex agreements such as joint ventures, licensing, mergers, acquisitions, investments, and partnership agreements. Oversee the negotiation, drafting, and execution of these contracts, ensuring alignment with business objectives while managing legal and financial risks. 
  • Provide general legal advice related to corporate matters including compliance, privacy, and employment matters, 
  • Partner with internal teams such as Finance, Tax, HR, and Business Development to ensure corporate legal matters align with broader company goals. Work closely with external counsel to manage legal risks and ensure compliance with applicable laws. 

 

Qualifications and Preferred Skills 

  • JD is required, with a minimum of 15+ years of experience in corporate law, JD required, with a minimum of 15+ years of legal experience at a top tier law firm or in-house including at least 10+ years of prior in-house experience in the life sciences industry. 
  • Member of a state bar in good standing. 
  • Proven track record in managing complex corporate transactions and navigating high-stakes legal matters in a fast-paced environment. 
  • Experience advising on securities regulations, public company compliance, and corporate governance matters a plus. 
  • Strong leadership capabilities, with experience managing a legal team. 
  • Experience in the biotechnology/biopharmaceutical industry, with a deep understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern life sciences companies. 
  • Exceptional analytical, negotiation, and communication skills. 
  • Ability to balance legal and business considerations, offering practical solutions to corporate challenges. 
  • Proven ability to collaborate across departments and influence senior leadership. 
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment with a focus on achieving results. 
  • Understanding and supportive of a “patient-first” mentality. 

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