Senior Director, Complex Commercial Transactions

As the Senior Director of Complex Commercial Transactions at Cerebras Systems, you will manage, draft, and negotiate high-value commercial agreements, acting as the primary legal contact for the company. You'll engage in leading complex transactions with a focus on hardware revenue deals and joint development arrangements. Your role will also involve mentoring team members and building procedures to streamline negotiations, all while ensuring compliance across various industries.

Candidates for the Senior Director of Complex Commercial Transactions role at Cerebras Systems should have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and be bar admitted, preferably in California. You must also possess at least 12 years of experience in commercial transactions, with a demonstrated understanding of hardware products and IP-focused agreements. Additionally, a strong business acumen and the ability to think critically are essential for interfacing confidently with C-Suite executives.

In the Senior Director, Complex Commercial Transactions role at Cerebras Systems, you will directly counsel C-Suite members, providing legal insight that helps guide strategic business decisions. Your experience and ability to clearly communicate complex legal matters will make you an invaluable resource as you collaborate with executives across the company.

Cerebras Systems fosters a vibrant and collaborative work environment for the Senior Director of Complex Commercial Transactions. Located in Sunnyvale, CA, you will be expected to work in-office five days a week, engaging with team members and executives directly. This setup not only facilitates faster decision-making but also ensures that you are part of a culture that values innovation and teamwork.

Yes, having experience with federal government contracts is preferred for the Senior Director, Complex Commercial Transactions position at Cerebras Systems. Familiarity with the regulations and unique requirements of government dealings can be beneficial as you manage complex agreements and navigate varied industry landscapes.

In answering this question, provide specific examples of large-scale commercial agreements you have negotiated, detailing the industries involved and the outcomes of those deals. Explain your approach, emphasizing your negotiation strategy and any challenges you overcame.

To tackle this question effectively, explain your time management strategies. Discuss how you analyze urgency and importance, set priorities based on company objectives, and adapt when unexpected issues arise while ensuring compliance and quality.

Provide a brief story where you successfully advised senior leadership on a significant legal matter. Emphasize your ability to translate complex legal terminology into actionable insights, demonstrating your communication skills and understanding of business strategy.

When discussing drafting supply chain agreements, focus on the essential elements such as terms and conditions, compliance with regulations, risk management provisions, and ensuring that agreements align with the company’s objectives. Highlight any relevant experiences and best practices that ensure successful contract execution.

In your response, explain the importance of clear communication and setting expectations. Describe how you select outside counsel based on expertise, ensure that they align with company goals, and regularly review their work to maintain quality and efficiency in legal matters.

To answer this question, mention various resources like legal publications, industry conferences, and professional networks you utilize to stay informed. Also, touch on how you apply this knowledge to enhance your contributions at your workplace.

Share your experience in mentoring junior attorneys, discussing approaches such as providing constructive feedback, offering opportunities for hands-on experience, and fostering an open environment for questions. This showcases your leadership style and your commitment to team development.

Describe specific challenges such as opposing interests in negotiations or regulatory hurdles. Detail your problem-solving process, highlighting creative solutions you developed to resolve these challenges and demonstrate your ability to remain composed under pressure.

Be prepared to discuss the basics of generative AI, and its potential impact on various sectors. Show that you understand the nuances of IP rights, compliance, and how commercial agreements may need to adapt as the technology evolves.

Discuss your belief in open communication, showing respect for diverse perspectives, and the importance of shared objectives. Highlight past experiences where teamwork led to successful outcomes, reinforcing your ability to work effectively with varied departments.