Corporate Counsel – Commercial

ZEISS•San Diego, CA

About The Position

How many companies can say they’ve been in business for over 177 years?! Here at ZEISS, we certainly can! As the pioneers of science, ZEISS handles the everchanging environments in a fast-paced world, meeting it with cutting edge of technologies and continuous advancements. ZEISS believes that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global change. We have a diverse range of portfolios throughout the ZEISS family in segments like, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. We are a global company with over 42,000 employees and have over 4,000 in the US and Canada alone! Make a difference, come join the team! What’s the role? The Corporate Counsel – Commercial will join the legal team at Carl Zeiss Vision Inc. , supporting a broad range of commercial contracting activities within the medical device and vision care industry . ZEISS is a global leader in optics, producing not only corrective lenses and eyeglasses, but also the advanced technologies used by eye care professionals to test, diagnose, and treat eye conditions. This role will manage a high volume of complex commercial agreements , including GPO, marketing, procurement, distributor agreements, leases , and related contracts. The position will also provide legal support for commercial lending activities, franchising business models , and other business-driven legal matters as they arise. The ideal candidate is a pragmatic, business-oriented attorney who can balance legal risk with commercial objectives and partner closely with cross-functional stakeholders in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a top-tier law school and active U.S. law license
5–10 years of legal experience, with a strong focus on commercial contracting in the medical device or healthcare industry
Prior experience at a law firm or in-house legal department supporting medical device clients or businesses
Demonstrated expertise in: Drafting and negotiating commercial contracts (GPO, supply, marketing, procurement, distributor agreements, and leases)
Medical device and healthcare regulations, including: Anti-Kickback Statute, Sunshine Act, HIPAA and data privacy, FDA requirements for medical devices
Coordinating and managing a high volume of contracts
Using contract management systems to organize and track contract status and key terms
Experience advising on commercial lending and franchise law matters preferred
Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently in a remote environment and manage multiple priorities
Ability to translate legal concepts into practical business guidance
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in contract drafting

Nice To Haves

Proven ability to draft and negotiate a high volume of commercial agreements
Experience in the medical device or healthcare industry
Experience with franchise law and/or commercial lending
Experience developing contract playbooks, templates, or negotiation frameworks
Experience working in a matrixed global organization

Responsibilities

Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a wide range of commercial contracts, including GPO, supply, marketing, procurement, distributor agreements, and leases
Manage a high volume of contracts, ensuring timely execution and compliance with company policies and applicable laws
Utilize and maintain contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems to track contract status, key terms, and reporting
Advise business stakeholders on contract terms, risk mitigation strategies, and regulatory compliance
Provide legal guidance related to medical device and healthcare regulations, including: Anti-Kickback Statute and Sunshine Act compliance, HIPAA and data privacy requirements, FDA regulations for medical devices
Support the development and ongoing management of the franchise business model, including: Preparing and maintaining franchise disclosure documents and compliance records, Drafting and negotiating franchise agreements, Coordinating with outside counsel and monitoring changes in franchise and state optometry laws
Provide legal support for commercial lending activities, including reviewing loan documentation, ensuring regulatory compliance, and advising on risk mitigation
Partner closely with cross-functional teams (Legal, Regulatory Affairs, Sales, Procurement, HR, and Operations) to support business objectives
Conduct legal research and analysis to support business initiatives and resolve legal issues
Support general corporate matters and special projects as needed
Stay current on evolving healthcare and commercial regulations, industry best practices, and legal trends
Develop and improve contract templates, playbooks, and negotiation guidance for internal stakeholders
Assist in process improvements to enhance contract turnaround time and cross-functional efficiency