Corporate Counsel, Contracts

Exelixis
paid holidays, sick time, 401(k)
United States, California, Alameda
Oct 13, 2025
SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE: The Corporate Counsel, Contracts* takes a supporting role in setting the material terms of the many business transactions undertaken by the company, the drafting and negotiation of definitive and ancillary agreements reflecting those terms, and the organization of processes necessary and helpful for Exelixis to transact efficiently and effectively. This function also plays a transactional oversight role, working with Legal and operational colleagues to help ensure that the company's R&D activities and transactions are carried out with efficiency and reflect an appreciation for an appropriate level of business and legal risk. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Drafts, reviews, and negotiates a wide range of contracts with a moderate to high degree of independence in support of the Research and Development organizations (which may include confidentiality agreements, collaboration agreements, licensing agreements, consulting agreements, materials transfer agreements, simple and complex clinical trial agreements, clinical advisory board agreements, and various vendor services agreements, and manufacturing agreements for cGMP drug supply). Acts as a legal point person for ongoing agreements in support of R&D efforts. Reviews redlines, supervises negotiations and provides general guidance to junior attorneys and contracts managers. Assists with maintaining up-to-date form agreements consistent with industry standards and applicable laws. Identifies and defines operational and legal risks and is able to communicate those risks to appropriate internal decision-makers for discussion and resolution. Cultivates strong and highly effective cross-functional relationships and communication with internal colleagues to effectively address legal and business questions. Effectively represents the company. Handles miscellaneous legal tasks on an as-needed basis. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No supervisory responsibilities but may provide direction to other individuals. * This position is equivalent to an Associate Director level within the Exelixis organization.* EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: Education: BS/BA degree, preferably in life sciences or a related field; an advanced life science degree is preferred. JD degree is required and a minimum of three to five years of relevant experience. Must be admitted to practice law, preferably in California. Experience: Experience as an attorney in a law firm or in-house legal environment in biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry. Complex contract drafting and negotiation experience required, including a significant volume of contracts in support of drug Research & Development activities. Knowledge/Skills: Possesses clear and concise verbal and written communication skills and must have excellent interpersonal communication skills. Strong computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), document management systems, and redlining software). Must be detail-oriented and have strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, with the ability to re-prioritize on short time frames. Can quickly separate the mission-critical from the nice-to-haves and the trivial. Ability to make complex decisions based on the data available; drives to the finish on all projects. Acts responsibly and conscientiously. Works under pressure to meet specific deadlines. Works well both independently and in a team environment; addresses differences fairly and equitably; treats everyone as a preferred internal client. Dedicated to quality, reliability, and highest professional standards in all work tasks. Must be a self-starter and quick learner. Must have good judgment. WORKING CONDITIONS: Primarily working indoors, in an office environment #LI-HG1 If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us! Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across severalU.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The base pay range for this positionis $188,000 - $267,500 annually. The base pay range may take into account the candidate's geographic region, which will adjust the pay depending on the specific work location. The base pay offered will take into account the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, experience and internal equity, among other factors. In addition to the base salary, as part of our Total Rewards program, Exelixis offers comprehensive employee benefits package, including a 401k plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts. Employees are also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus program, or if field sales staff, a sales-based incentive plan. Exelixis also offers employees the opportunity to purchase company stock, and receive long-term incentives, 15 accrued vacation days in their first year, 17 paid holidays including a company-wide winter shutdown in December, and up to 10 sick days throughout the calendar year. DISCLAIMER The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.