Associate Director, Legal (San Diego/Hybrid)

Position Summary

This is a position for an attorney with experience managing a broad range of commercial contracts and operational legal needs, as well as special projects and workstreams relating to complex transactions. Prior law firm experience and experience working in cross-functional teams in-house is preferred. This attorney will be based in San Diego, California. This is a full-time role, Monday through Friday, with an expectation of 2-3 in-office days per week and additional on-site presence as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading legal projects and workstreams related to complex commercial transactions and internal process management requiring in-depth consideration of multiple factors;

• Driving successful outcomes in complex customer negotiations by aligning contractual terms with strategic priorities and cultivating trusted relationships with key customers;

• Advising on, drafting, and negotiating high-value strategic customer agreements, serving as a key partner to business teams and maintaining critical customer relationships;

• Advising on various legal risks, pricing and other business strategies, as well as other issues related to commercial deals in a very dynamic and fast-paced environment;

• Reviewing and revising business documents and working closely with finance, commercial, business development, product marketing and other teams to accomplish company goals;

• Developing and improving processes that support contracting with customers, vendors, and collaborators;

• Collaborating cross-functionally with internal stakeholders to implement controls and operational processes aligned with contractual commitments, leveraging knowledge of internal procedures, risk frameworks, and approval authorities;

• Leading post M&A integration activities

Requirements

• Typically requires 12+ years of relevant legal experience, with 7+ years of Management experience;

• 5+ years of top-tier law firm experience plus in-house experience preferred;

• Strong structural legal drafting skills;

• Demonstrated strong strategic and analytical thinking;

• Proven track record as a team player with strong work ethic and self-starting attitude;

• Set and maintain high standards for self and the team;

• Clear communication and effective negotiating skills;

• Able to adapt and iterate seamlessly in a fast-paced environment;

• Approaches position with a 'can do' attitude;

• Experience with public sector procurement contracts is a plus;

• Experience effectively and ethically using AI tools;

• Exemplifies highest legal professional standards;

• Technical degree desired in chemistry, life sciences, engineering, material sciences, or related field is helpful, but not required;

• Knowledge of genetics and other biological sciences is beneficial.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school in the United States;

• Member of the CA bar or able to practice as an in-house attorney under CA out-of-state attorney rules.