Director and Senior Legal Counsel, Legal

Western Digital; Guildford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job description

Company Description

At Western Digital, we are on a mission to unlock the potential of data so people, companies and organizations everywhere can create what’s next. To fulfill our vision, we are always on the lookout for potential team members who share our passion for solving problems to empower others.

When you join Western Digital, you join a legacy more than 50 years in the making. Across our Western Digital, WD and WD_BLACK brands, we have brought some of the most storied advancements in memory and data storage technology to market—and our best, most innovative work is yet to come.

From energizing gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Here’s how you can help.

Western Digital is seeking an experienced and dynamic commercial attorney to support its hard disk drive operations in EMEA including Sales, Procurement, Marketing, HR, Site Management and Finance. This individual will provide high-quality legal counsel and support on a variety of commercial matters, including negotiation of commercial agreements, employment matters, regulatory compliance, corporate secretarial matters. The ideal candidate has post-qualification experience as a commercial attorney with a top tier law firm and in-house experience with a global company. The candidate will demonstrate the ability to partner with the business and effectively respond to legal issues and establish strategic priorities. Experience working with sales, procurement, marketing, technology, human resources will be an advantage.

This role requires regular access to, and ability to be present weekly as needed, at the Guildford UK site. Occasional international travel to other regional sales offices required.

Job Description

• Serve as initial point of contact and manager for a variety of legal matters in EMEA, including sales and marketing, employment, regulatory compliance, corporate governance and local litigation.
• Integrate into the business as a strategic business partner and provide legal guidance in the context of the business to achieve the Company’s goals, including participating in regular EMEA leadership meetings.
• Work closely with management of different functions in EMEA as a trusted advisor and partner.
• Provide advice and counsel on a variety of legal issues, including commercial transactions, sales and marketing support, corporate governance matters, employment, regulatory (including EU competition law) and local litigation.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of risk management strategies that align with the company’s business objectives and legal obligations.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and finalize a variety of commercial contracts.
• Identify potential legal issues and risks related to business practices and policies.
• Partner with internal client groups to respond to legal and compliance issues and find practical solutions that balance risk and business opportunities.
• Coordinate and collaborate with appropriate legal department subject matter experts globally to assess and manage legal matters in a consistent manner.
• Ensure adherence to corporate governance best practices, supporting the Board and executive management in maintaining compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee local litigation as may be needed in coordination with the U.S. litigation team.
• Represent the company before regional regulatory authorities as may be needed.
• Support local HR in employment matters and programs in coordination with the U.S. employment team in legal.
• Support local investigations, in coordination with HR and the Ethics and Compliance teams.
• Work professionally and productively with outside counsel to maximize the value of counsel’s input and minimize outside counsel fees.

Qualifications

• LL.B. /LL.M. from a reputable law school
• A minimum of 8-10 years of relevant experience in a top tier law firm and in-house legal department with experience drafting, reviewing, negotiating agreements and counseling clients.
• Experience in EU competition law and employment law required.
• Experience with EU/UK e-commerce and consumer protection directives or regulations desired.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to understand potentially complex legal issues and translate into simple and effective guidance for internal stakeholders.
• Ability to find creative solutions to achieve business goals.
• Excellent English oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Experience working in (or with) technology companies and/or in the technology industry.
• Comfortable balancing and prioritizing competing/ shifting demands and deadlines from multiple stakeholders.
• Track record of providing high-quality, timely results on a wide variety of commercial matters.
• Self-starter who takes ownership of work and demonstrates the ability to work independently.
• Team player with a strong sense of collaboration with other stakeholders, both within the legal department and cross-functionally.
• Growth mindset with a desire to understand the company’s business and industry.
• International experience with a highly regarded top tier law firm essential.
• Experience of working for a global company (either in house or as a client).
• Previous in-house experience (including secondments) an advantage.
• Experience partnering with business to respond to legal issues and establish strategic priorities.
• Time flexibility as this position will work with internal clients and legal colleagues globally.

Additional Information

Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at [e-mail] to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.