CONMED is seeking a strategic and experienced Senior Director of Legal – International to lead and evolve the legal function supporting our international medical device business. This role will be instrumental in designing the organizational structure of the international legal team and evaluating the legal support model across global markets. The position will also provide direct legal counsel for the European, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific (APAC) regions, ensuring compliance with a complex and evolving regulatory landscape.
Key Responsibilities:
Legal Team Leadership & Strategy
Design and implement the organizational structure for CONMED’s international legal team.
Assess and optimize legal support models across international markets.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of legal professionals.
Collaborate with legal and compliance, human resources, finance, commercial, quality and regulatory assurance, global trade, and other professionals across the organization to ensure alignment and proactive risk management.
Legal Support for EMEA and APAC
Serve as the primary legal advisor for the EMEA business, providing day-to-day legal counsel.
Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including distribution, supply, clinical study agreements, and service contracts.
Advise on strategic initiatives, business development, and operational matters.
Compliance & Regulatory Expertise
Provide expert guidance on anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, including FCPA and UK Bribery Act and compliance with various trade association coeds of business conduct, including but not limited to: MedTech Europe, Japan Federation of Medical Device Associations, Mecomed, AdvaMed China.
Provide guidance and legal support to ensure compliance with EU and other country specific privacy regulations (e.g., EU General Data Protection (GDPR), Regulation, China Personal Information Protection Law, ).
Advise on EU labor and employment laws, including cross-border employment issues.
Navigate complex regulatory frameworks including EU Medical Device Regulations, Environmental, Social, and Governance regulations, and other applicable laws.
Risk Management & Governance
Identify legal risks and develop mitigation strategies aligned with business objectives.
Support internal investigations and manage external counsel as needed.
Required Qualifications:
Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent legal degree from a recognized institution.
Licensed to practice law in at least one jurisdiction within the EMEA or APAC regions.
Minimum of 10 years of legal experience with at least 5 years working with senior leadership at a multinational company in the medical device or life sciences industry.
Fluency in speaking and writing English required; additional languages are a plus.
Other Attributes:
Deep expertise in anti-corruption, privacy, EU labor and employment law, and medical device regulations.
Proven ability to lead cross-border legal teams and manage complex international legal issues.
Strong business acumen, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills.
Ability to work independently, with a sense of urgency.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, handle multiple conflicting priorities while managing a substantial workload and client expectations.
Robust interpersonal skills, with the confidence and credibility to act quickly, communicate effectively with diplomacy and civility and command respect of both internal and external audiences.