Company Description

At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible.

At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we've been doing just that. Our technology helped people put a man on the moon.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive 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.

Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You'll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That's us, too.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital, G-Technology, SanDisk and WD brands.

Today's exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It's You & Western Digital. Together, we're the next BIG thing in data.

Job Description

Legal Leadership & Strategic Partnership

• Serve as primary legal contact for management of the Fujisawa site and support diverse legal matters in Japan, including sales and marketing, procurement and supply chain, employment, compliance, local litigation.
• Integrate as a strategic business partner, providing contextual legal guidance to achieve company objectives.
• Function as trusted advisor and partner to senior management in Japan.
• Excellent communication skills and executive presence needed with both local and corporate leadership.

Commercial, Corporate & Transactional Support

• Provide comprehensive advice on commercial transactions, sales and marketing, procurement and supply chain, corporate secretarial matters, employment issues, and regulatory matters.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and finalize commercial contracts including professional services agreements, sale and purchase agreements, engagement letters, statements of work, amendments, and related business documents.
• Draft and handle execution of general corporate resolutions and related documentation for local corporate entities.
• Identify and evaluate transaction-associated risks and propose practical, strategic risk mitigation strategies.

Employment Law/Employee Matters

• Provide advice to local HR on day-to-day employment matters, including supporting onboarding and offboarding documentation.
• Support on HR special projects as needed, including resource optimization and policy related projects.
• Support HR on employment law issues related to disciplinary matters and performance managment.
• Partner closely with regional projects.
• Support employment litigation in coordination with US employment law team.

Litigation & Investigation Management

• Oversee local litigation in coordination with U.S. litigation team.
• Represent the company before authorities, tribunals, or courts as necessary.
• Support local investigations in coordination with HR and Ethics and Compliance teams.

Collaboration & External Counsel Management

• Coordinate with global legal department members to assess and manage legal matters consistently. Consistent and proactive communication with global legal leaders responsible for legal functions is a critical to the success of this role.

Work professionally with outside counsel to maximize value and minimize fees.

Qualifications

• LL.B. from a reputable Japan law school. LL.M. would be an advantage. Overseas law study in US or EU would be an advantage.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in a top tier law firm and in-house legal department with specific focus on drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements. At least 5 years of in-house legal experience is mandatory.
• 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 required.
• Experience working in (or with) technology companies and/or in the technology industry preferred.
• 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 required.
• Experience of working for a global and US based company (either in house or as a client) required.
• Experience partnering with business to respond to legal issues and establish strategic priorities.

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 [email protected] 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.

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 [email protected] 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.

Notice To Candidates: Please be aware that Western Digital and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to Western Digital Ethics Helpline or email [email protected].