Senior Commercial Transactions Counsel

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Commercial Leadership

• Lead negotiation and execution of highly complex commercial agreements, including:
• Enterprise customer agreements
• Global supplier and procurement agreements
• Technology licensing and SaaS agreements
• Strategic partnerships and channel agreements
• Manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain contracts
• Develop and implement contracting standards, templates, policies, and playbooks that impact business operations across multiple functions.
• Advise executive leadership on legal, regulatory, and commercial risk matters.
  

Business Partnership & Influence

• Serve as a trusted advisor to Sales, Procurement, Finance, Operations, Product, and Executive Leadership teams.
• Provide authoritative guidance on transaction structures, risk allocation, and dispute avoidance strategies.
• Influence business decisions through practical and commercially focused legal recommendations.
  
  

Cross-Functional & Organizational Impact

• Lead cross-functional initiatives involving legal, compliance, operational, and strategic business considerations.
• Mentor junior attorneys and legal professionals.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to contracting efficiency and legal operations.
  
  

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify emerging legal and regulatory risks affecting commercial operations.
• Support global compliance initiatives related to privacy, intellectual property, trade compliance, and procurement.
• Manage escalated contractual disputes and pre-litigation matters.
  
  

Education & Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree from an accredited institution.
• Active license to practice law in at least one jurisdiction.
• 5 years of legal experience focused on commercial transactions, either in-house or at a law firm.
• Strong experience negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Excellent drafting, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a dynamic environment.
• Strong business acumen and pragmatic approach to legal problem-solving.
  
  

Preferred

• Experience in technology, manufacturing, SaaS, healthcare, or regulated industries.
• Familiarity with:
• Data privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA, etc.)
• Intellectual property matters
• International contracting
• Procurement and supply chain agreements
• Experience with contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems.
  

Skills & Other Requirements

• Contract negotiation and drafting
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Business partnership mindset
• Attention to detail
• Strategic thinking
• Communication and stakeholder management
• Time management and prioritization
  
  

Working Conditions

• This position is onsite / hybrid
• May require occasional off-site meetings or travel
• Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary
• Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job
• May require occasional overtime and flexibility in work hours to accommodate the executive’s needs
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or conducting meetings.
• Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
• Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings or interact with colleagues.
  
  

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and Corporate EHS standards. This includes the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job responsibilities.

Managers will ensure that all safety and environmental procedures are followed consistently. They will ensure that risk assessments are performed, proper training, work instructions, required PPE is available, and will monitor compliance.

Quality & Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

About Us

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.

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