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Role Summary

PMI is embarking on the next step in its exciting mission to replace combustible cigarettes with smoke-free products that are a much better choice than continuing to smoke. While we have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange and our HQ has been in the United States since 2008, for the first time ever we are entering the U.S. market. Following the acquisition of Swedish Match in 2022 and our acquisition of businesses comprising Vectura Fertin Pharma in 2021, as well as our take back of our IQOS business from our current distributor, we are significantly expanding our operations in the United States. For more information on our vision and corporate purpose visit: https://www.pmi.com.

This role is for a Senior Counsel in PMI’s Litigation and Investigations Group, which is part of PMI’s Legal, Ethics & Compliance (“LEC”) Department. PMI’s Litigation and Investigations Group is responsible for managing the defense of product liability litigation on behalf of Philip Morris International Inc. and its affiliates (PMI) globally, managing other litigation of company-wide significance, leading and conducting internal investigations, and providing litigation support services. The Senior Counsel – Litigation will require a seasoned legal professional with excellent judgment and a demonstrated ability to manage complex litigation and to provide guidance to business and functional leaders across the organization on strategies for mitigating legal risk. The role-holder will report to the Assistant General Counsel – Litigation, who is based in Stamford, CT.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage cases of company wide-significance, including product liability and regulatory litigation involving the Company’s products, antitrust litigation and other significant matters.
• Together with other members of PMI’s Litigation & Investigations group, develop and execute the Company’s litigation strategy, manage discovery obligations, manage outside counsel, determine proper case disposition, and monitor litigation budgets.
• Lead or participate in significant internal investigations.
• Assist in the identification, selection, and management of outside counsel to assure legal services that are results-oriented, timely, competent, and cost efficient.
• Prepare regular summaries and update memos and presentations on litigation activities.
• Collaborate with other functional groups in the LEC Department and other business functions as needed that have expertise in the subject matter of the litigation.
• Anticipate and mitigate potential legal problems within the organization as they pertain to litigation and develop strategies to avoid costly litigation and reduce potential areas of risk.
• Stay current with legal developments and best practices in the relevant areas of law.
• Mentor others in area of expertise and help develop junior staff.
• Act as a team player and role model for the legal function, encouraging collaboration and standards of excellence.
• Carry out other duties as assigned.

Critical Skills

• Quickly grasps key drivers of the business and industry and becomes immersed in the most important business issues facing the Company.
• Demonstrates strategic, innovative, creative and inquisitive frame of mind, with strong business acumen and judgment.
• Demonstrates outstanding written and oral communications skills, including presenting to, advising and educating internal colleagues as well as engaging with external stakeholders. Able to convey complicated topics and issues in a straightforward and concise manner, and to tailor communication style to different audiences.
• Takes initiative and operates with a sense of urgency, decisiveness and responsiveness.
• Possesses strong work ethic with ability to work independently in a fast-paced work environment.
• Is a highly collaborative team player.
• Operates calmly in a dynamic environment with a demonstrated ability to handle crises.
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills reflected by planning and communicating in a dynamic environment.

Desired Profile

• Juris Doctor and licensed to practice law in one or more states in the United States.
• At least eight years of concentrated litigation experience in industry or private practice which demonstrates an in-depth knowledge and applied understanding of area of expertise; both in house and major law firm experience preferred. Experience in product liability and class action litigation preferred.
• Solid working knowledge of litigation practice and procedures.
• Previous experience with FMCG, life sciences or technology industry preferred. Experience of working in a highly regulated industry is desirable.
• Ability to travel as necessary.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements

• Normal office environment for a mission driven, high impact team. Work hours regularly exceed 40 plus hours per week.
• PMI operates a flexible work policy known as Smart Work which allows employees to work from home but requires at least two days per week in the office averaged over a month (excluding business trips, vacation leave and other authorized absences).
• Other business trips, both within and outside the United States, may be required from time to time.
• Expected salary range: $232,000.00 - $319,000.00 per year, varies based on experience, along with comprehensive benefits package that includes bonus and 401k.

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