Director, Legal (Hybrid/Remote)

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity?

At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.

Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.

Position Title: Director, Legal

Location: Our preference is for the individual to be based in San Diego, CA. We will also consider candidates located in Northern California/Foster City, CA, Madison, WI, or Colorado.

Travel Requirements: Candidates residing outside of San Diego should be able and willing to travel periodically to Illumina's San Diego headquarters for leadership meetings, transaction-related workstreams, team collaboration, and other business-critical activities. Travel frequency will vary based on business needs.

Reports To: VP, Legal

FLSA Status: Exempt

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic partner and advisor, working collaboratively with finance, commercial, product management and other internal teams to formulate go-to-market strategies and enabling strategic initiatives;
• Strategic counsel for complex commercial transactions;
• 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;
• 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;
• Supporting M&A diligence and leading post M&A integration activities

Listed responsibilities are an essential, but not exhaustive, list of the usual duties associated with the position. Changes to individual responsibilities may occur due to business needs.

Requirements:

• Typically requires a minimum of 15 years of relevant legal experience, with 10+ 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.

• Ability to travel domestically as needed, with anticipated travel of approximately 10% or less.

• Occasional Travel to San Diego, CA HQ for leadership meetings, transaction workstreams, or other business-critical activities.

All listed requirements are deemed as essential functions to this position.  However, business conditions may require reasonable accommodations for additional task and responsibilities.

Required 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.

The estimated base salary range for the Director, Legal (Hybrid/Remote) role based in the United States of America is: $224,900 - $337,300. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. The range reflects long‑term growth in the role; therefore, most candidates are hired between the minimum and middle of the range. Placement depends on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.

We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information. Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact accommodations@illumina.com. To learn more, visit: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.