Director, Legal Counsel, Governance and Securities
Alcon ResearchAt Alcon, we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly, champion progress, and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here, you’ll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together, we go above and beyond to make an impact in the lives of our patients and customers. We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join Alcon.
Alcon is seeking a Swiss-qualified lawyer to join Alcon as Director, Legal Counsel – Governance and Securities. This is a rare in-house opportunity to serve as the primary legal partner supporting Alcon AG’s position as a Swiss incorporated public company. This highly autonomous, business‑savvy legal leader will provide day‑to‑day legal support for (i) Alcon AG’s compliance with Swiss corporate law and SIX securities regulations, (ii) general corporate governance matters, including annual reporting and ESG compliance, and (iii) capital markets transactions. The role works closely with the Vice President of Corporate Legal to ensure aligned governance, compliance and transactional strategy, consistent risk management, and operational excellence across jurisdictions.
You will provide meaningful support to Alcon AG’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee, managing Alcon’s Annual General Meeting of shareholders, advising on various corporate governance matters, handling Swiss regulatory issues, leading complex financing transactions and collaborating with cross‑functional teams to support Alcon’s corporate governance reporting and initiatives.
A typical day will include:
Provide primary legal support for Swiss corporate governance matters. Draft corporate minutes, resolutions, meeting agendas, certificates, powers of attorney and other corporate governance documents for Alcon AG and its affiliated subsidiaries and attend to other Swiss corporate administrative matters.
Provide primary legal support for Swiss securities compliance and public disclosure matters. Assist in drafting and preparation of Alcon AG’s annual report, quarterly financial disclosures, management transaction disclosures and other public reporting and announcements and manage Alcon AG’s share register.
Ensure compliance with and provide counsel related to Swiss corporate and securities law and SIX exchange regulations.
Assist in coordination and preparation of Alcon’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, interacting cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders and service providers.
Collaborate with Alcon AG Treasury team to draft, negotiate, and manage capital markets and finance transaction agreements and provide advice and counsel related to M&A and licensing transactions from a Swiss perspective.
Support Alcon’s ESG efforts by providing advice and counsel related to various regulatory reporting and due diligence requirements in Switzerland and abroad.
Maintain Alcon’s relationships with Swiss securities regulators, share register provider, independent proxy solicitor, auditors and other third-party service providers and trade associations related to Alcon’s corporate governance compliance.
Serve as a key legal partner across functions including Treasury, Compliance, HR, Tax, Finance, and global legal teams to ensure consistent global standards and strategic alignment.
What you’ll bring to Alcon:
Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +18 yrs; Assoc.+14 yrs; M.S.+7 yrs; PhD+6 yrs)
The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English
10 Years of Relevant Experience
6 Years of Demonstrated Leadership
Travel: Domestic and international travel may be required (estimate: 5-15%).
Relocation is Authorized
Preferred Experience:
Law degree (JD, LLB, or equivalent) and active bar admission in Switzerland.
Experience in corporate governance, securities and transactional matters.
Strong drafting and negotiation expertise with complex capital markets transactions.
Experience supporting boards of directors and executive management teams in corporate governance matters, either in-house or as outside legal counsel.
Proven ability to operate independently, manage diverse workloads across multiple jurisdictions, and deliver pragmatic, business‑aligned legal guidance.
Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with cross‑functional teams including Treasury, Compliance, HR, Tax, Finance and other legal teams.
Familiarity with Swiss governance tools, such as Connexor.
Experience managing external counsel across multiple countries.
Active legal license or certification required to practice in the applicable jurisdiction.
HOW YOU CAN THRIVE:
See your career like never before with focused growth and development opportunities
Join Alcon’s mission to provide outstanding, innovative products and solutions to improve sight, improve lives, and grow your career!
Alcon provides a robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off and much more.
Alcon Careers
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If you are currently an active employee/contingent worker at Alcon, please click the appropriate link below to apply on the Internal Career site.