Director & Senior Legal Counsel

206,600.00-275,400.00 Business Function: Legal Work Location: Irvine Office--LOC_WDT_USCA01 Company Description WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy. As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in. We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide. This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today. We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level. Join us and let’s shape the future of data.

WD is seeking an experienced and commercially astute Director & Senior Legal Counsel to join its Global Commercial Legal team. In this high-impact role, you will serve as a trusted legal partner to WD's Worldwide Sales and Marketing Organization, providing sophisticated legal advice across a broad range of commercial transactions. You will play a central role in shaping go-to-market strategies, managing commercial risk, and supporting commercial operational excellence. This position requires a lawyer who combines deep transactional expertise with strong business judgment, the ability to operate independently in a fast-paced environment, and a genuine commitment to delivering practical, strategic legal solutions.

Commercial Transactions & Contract Negotiation Draft, review, negotiate, and finalize a wide range of commercial sales and customer agreements, including master purchasing agreements, distribution agreements, nondisclosure agreements, statements of work, amendments, and related business documents. Partner closely with business stakeholders to evaluate transaction risks, develop practical risk mitigation strategies, and drive deals to close efficiently. Go-to-Market & Strategic Support Advise on and support the development of go-to-market strategies from a legal perspective, including drafting enabling agreements and engaging cross-functionally to assess and address legal and business risks. Review and contribute to responses to customer RFPs and RFQs in collaboration with internal teams across sales, finance, and operations. Contract Management & Process Improvement Support and enhance end-to-end contract management process, including the development and maintenance of strategic playbooks, standard templates, and contract lifecycle management (CLM) workflows related to sales transactions. Champion the use of technology and process innovation to improve efficiency and consistency across the global commercial legal function. Oversee and provide quality guidance to contract administrators and managers within the commercial organization as needed. Special Projects Lead or contribute to special legal and business initiatives as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a collaborative approach across the broader legal team.

Required Experience: 8 or more years of relevant transactional legal experience in a law firm, in-house legal department, or government legal setting, with a demonstrated track record of drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial and sales-related agreements. License: Current member in good standing of a U.S. State Bar, or Registered In-House Counsel in California (or eligible therefor); Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school or its equivalent. Subject Matter Knowledge: Working knowledge of U.S. consumer protection, competition, and intellectual property laws. Language: Professional fluency in English, both written and verbal. Preferred Experience working