Senior Director, US Employment Law

BioNTech•Cambridge, MA

9d•$198,900 - $318,300•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Director, US Employment Law will serve as BioNTech’s lead legal advisor on labor and employment matters in the United States and as a key member of the global Legal team. This role will partner closely with Human Resources, U.S. leadership, Compliance, and other business functions to provide timely, practical, and risk-based advice across the employment lifecycle. The successful candidate will combine strategic judgment with hands-on execution. The role requires an experienced employment lawyer who can navigate complex and sensitive matters, support a geographically distributed workforce, manage contentious proceedings, and develop scalable solutions that align U.S. requirements with BioNTech’s global policies and business objectives.

Requirements

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing in at least one U.S. state bar.
At least 12 years of progressively responsible experience practicing U.S. labor and employment law, with substantial experience advising employers.
Deep knowledge of federal, state, and local employment-law requirements and demonstrated experience designing practical solutions for a geographically distributed, multi-state workforce.
Substantial experience handling sensitive employee relations matters, internal investigations, employment disputes, administrative proceedings, and litigation strategy.
Demonstrated ability to advise on executive employment arrangements, separations, restrictive covenants, and compensation-related employment issues in partnership with relevant specialists.
Excellent legal judgment and the ability to translate complex, jurisdiction-specific issues into concise, actionable advice for Human Resources, managers, senior executives, and colleagues outside the United States.
Proven ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution, make sound recommendations amid ambiguity, and drive matters to resolution.
High emotional intelligence, discretion, integrity, and accountability, with excellent written and verbal communication and strong stakeholder-management skills.
Proactive, collaborative, and self-directed, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively across functions, jurisdictions, and time zones.

Nice To Haves

In-house experience in a multinational, matrixed organization is strongly preferred.
Life sciences, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industry experience is preferred, particularly in a fast-paced and highly regulated environment.
Experience with commercial sales organizations is helpful.

Responsibilities

Serve as the principal Legal advisor on U.S. labor and employment matters, providing clear, practical, and timely guidance to Human Resources, U.S. leadership, managers, and other stakeholders.
Advise across the employment lifecycle, including recruiting and hiring, compensation and benefits-related employment issues, accommodations and leaves, performance management, disciplinary actions, terminations, reductions in force, and post-employment obligations.
Provide dedicated support for executive and senior management employment matters, including offer arrangements, employment agreements, separations, restrictive covenants, compensation-related employment issues, and incentive-related questions, in coordination with relevant subject matter experts.
Partner with Human Resources and Compliance on sensitive employee relations matters and internal investigations, including whistleblower and retaliation allegations, and help ensure fair, consistent, and well-documented processes.
Develop strategy and manage outside counsel in connection with administrative charges, agency inquiries, employment litigation, arbitration, mediation, and other contentious matters.
Monitor developments in federal, state, and local labor and employment law; assess business impact and translate legal requirements into practical policies, processes, communications, and manager guidance for a multi-state workforce.
Together with Human Resources, Develop and maintain scalable U.S. employment policies, templates, playbooks, and training that align with applicable law and BioNTech’s global frameworks.
Advise on restructurings, business integrations, and cross-border employment considerations affecting U.S. employees.
Provide employment-law support for corporate transactions, collaborations, and other strategic projects, including due diligence, risk assessment, and implementation planning, as needed.
Collaborate with Legal colleagues and cross-functional partners across jurisdictions and time zones to promote consistent, business-focused approaches while appropriately addressing U.S.-specific requirements.
Identify matters requiring specialized external advice; select, instruct, and oversee outside counsel with a focus on quality, efficiency, and practical outcomes.
Design and deliver training and coaching for Human Resources, managers, and business leaders on employment-law risks, effective decision-making, and workplace best practices.

Benefits

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Life, AD&D, Critical Illness Insurance
Pre-tax HSA & FSA, DCRA Spending Accounts
Employee Assistance & Concierge Program (EAP) available 24/7
Parental and Childbirth Leave & Family Planning Assistance
Sitterstream: Virtual Tutoring & Childcare Membership
Paid Time Off: Vacation, Sick, Bereavement, Holidays (including Floating) & Year-End U.S. Shutdown.
401(K) Plan with Company Match
Tuition Reimbursement & Student Loan Assistance Programs
Wellbeing Incentive Platforms & Incentives
Professional Development Programs
Commuting Allowance and subsidized parking
Discounted Home, Auto & Pet Insurance