Western Digital Director Senior Legal Counsel 

United Kingdom, England 

552812852

Here’s how you can help.

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.

• 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.

• 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.