Senior Commercial Counsel - USDS

Responsibilities

About TikTok U.S. Data Security
TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. U.S. Data Security ("USDS") is a subsidiary of TikTok in the U.S. This new, security-first division was created to bring heightened focus and governance to our data protection policies and content assurance protocols to keep U.S. users safe. Our focus is on providing oversight and protection of the TikTok platform and U.S. user data, so millions of Americans can continue turning to TikTok to learn something new, earn a living, express themselves creatively, or be entertained. The teams within USDS that deliver on this commitment daily span across Trust & Safety, Security & Privacy, Engineering, User & Product Ops, Corporate Functions and more.

Why Join Us
Creation is the core of TikTok's purpose. Our platform is built to help imaginations thrive. This is doubly true of the teams that make TikTok possible.
Together, we inspire creativity and bring joy - a mission we all believe in and aim towards achieving every day.
To us, every challenge, no matter how difficult, is an opportunity; to learn, to innovate, and to grow as one team. Status quo? Never. Courage? Always.
At TikTok, we create together and grow together. That's how we drive impact - for ourselves, our company, and the communities we serve.
Join us.

Team Intro:
The TikTok USDS Legal & Compliance team manages and oversees legal, privacy, and regulatory matters pertaining to TikTok USDS's operations. We collaborate cross-functionally and globally to address some of the most complex and intriguing issues in privacy and data security. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Commercial Counsel. This attorney will be responsible for negotiating, drafting, and implementing complex agreements with TikTok USDS's strategic partners in the software and services technology industries, and collaborate closely with Global colleagues to support USDS's compliance programs. This role requires a deep understanding of commercial transactions, exceptional relationship-building skills, and the ability to manage intricate contractual relationships with large multinational corporations. Additionally, this role requires extensive skills and experience with supporting cross-functional compliance programs in the context of commercial transactions, and a large matrixed organization.

In order to enhance collaboration and cross-functional partnerships, among other things, at this time, our organization follows a hybrid work schedule that requires employees to work in the office 3 days a week, or as directed by their manager/department. We regularly review our hybrid work model, and the specific requirements may change at any time.

Responsibilities:
1. Negotiation and Drafting:
- Proactively lead the negotiation, drafting, and implementation of complex commercial agreements with a strong focus on licensing and service agreements.
- Ensure USDS strategic and commercial agreements align with company policies, compliance obligations, and legal requirements.
- Provide timely and practical strategic advice on risk management and contractual obligations.

2. Relationship Management:
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders, including strategic third-party providers.
- Act as the primary legal contact for USDS's strategic partners, addressing their concerns and ensuring successful collaboration.
- Build strong relationships internally with colleagues and cross-functional stakeholders.

3. Implementation and Compliance:
- Oversee the implementation of key USDS agreements (especially those related to data security), ensuring all parties meet their contractual and compliance obligations.
- Stay updated on industry regulations and ensure all agreements comply with relevant laws and regulations.
- Anticipate issues with USDS's strategic partners and proactively address them before they become blockers.

4. Legal Strategy and Support:
- Provide legal guidance and support to senior management and other departments.
- Develop and implement legal strategies to support business goals and mitigate risks.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
- J.D. degree from ABA accredited law school (or foreign equivalent) with membership in good standing in a US state bar.
- 5+ years of experience in commercial transactional law, with a focus on the technology industry.
- Proven track record in negotiating, drafting, and managing complex commercial agreements.
- Strong relationship-building skills with experience managing relationships with large multinational companies and third-party providers
- Experience in an in-house legal department specializing in complex technology transactions.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
- Familiarity with complex business transactions and cross-border agreements.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of intellectual property law and software licensing.
- Outstanding communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing and working collaboratively with various teams.
- Proven track record of managing multiple projects and prioritizing effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong focus on compliance and ensuring commitments are honored.
- Proactive bias for action and ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

D&I Statement
TikTok is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our platform connects people from across the globe and so does our workplace. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. To achieve that goal, we are committed to celebrating our diverse voices and to creating an environment that reflects the many communities we reach. We are passionate about this and hope you are too.

Accommodation Statement
TikTok is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to us at https://shorturl.at/ktJP6

Data Security Statement
This role requires the ability to work with and support systems designed to protect sensitive data and information. As such, this role will be subject to strict national security-related screening.