Employment Counsel

About the role

You will serve as a strategic employment counsel partner to Penumbra's growing global business, owning complex employment matters from initial counsel through resolution. This role requires you to exercise judgment on sensitive human resources issues while ensuring strict compliance with evolving legal landscapes. You will act as the primary legal advisor to the Human Resources department and senior stakeholders on all employment-related initiatives. The position demands ownership of high-risk investigations and the ability to translate legal requirements into practical business solutions. You will drive proactive compliance programs that mitigate organizational risk and support ethical workplace standards. Your work will directly influence company policies that shape the employee experience and protect organizational integrity. You will be expected to operate autonomously in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment where precision and discretion are paramount.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Conduct in-depth analysis and provide subject matter expertise on a broad range of employment issues, including recruitment, hiring, disciplinary actions and terminations, re-organizations, complex leaves of absence and accommodations issues, compensation, wage & hour laws, contingent workers, HR practices, and performance management, among others.
• Manage and support HR compliance initiatives, privileged internal investigations, and compliance audits to ensure alignment with corporate governance standards.
• In coordination with HR, assist with the creation and regular review of policies, standards, and business procedures designed to foster compliance with various state, federal, and global employment laws, and regulations.
• In coordination with HR, develop and deliver targeted training to internal business departments on a variety of employment law topics, translating legal jargon into actionable guidance.
• Manage and resolve employment litigation, including EEOC and DFEH complaints, prelitigation demands, and partner with the Information Security team to manage discovery and preservation issues effectively.
• Provide global employment law support in partnership with local Legal and HR teams to ensure consistent application of standards across jurisdictions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with other members of the Legal team, the HR team, and other departments to support employment law compliance and actively manage employment law risk.
• Understand and recognize opportunities to maximize market penetration and participate in market research activities as required to inform legal strategy.
• Participate in developing detailed marketing literature and other sales tools for Penumbra products, ensuring legal accuracy and brand consistency.
• Adhere to the Company's Quality Management System (QMS) as well as domestic and global quality system regulations, standards, and procedures in all employment-related matters.
• Understand relevant security, privacy, and compliance principles and adhere to the regulations, standards, and procedures that are applicable to the Company's operations.
• Ensure other members of the department follow the QMS, regulations, standards, and procedures to maintain organizational compliance and audit readiness.
• Exercise judgment in prioritizing assignments while handling various complex projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned by senior leadership and the General Counsel.

Requirements

• J.D. and admission to the California state bar, registration as in-house counsel, or ability to gain admission or registration within 90 days of start date.
• 5+ years of relevant legal experience, with a strong understanding of and expertise in California and federal employment law and a combination of law firm and in-house corporate experience.
• Medical device, pharmaceutical, biotech, or other regulated industry experience desired to navigate sector-specific compliance challenges.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills to effectively advise diverse stakeholders and represent the company.
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail to manage sensitive personnel matters and complex documentation.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to produce clear, professional, and compliant materials.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and manage competing deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Willingness to adhere to company policies and procedures that support a compliant and ethical work environment.

Practical notes

The role is based in Alameda, California, and requires willingness to work on site. External candidates should expect potential business travel ranging from 5% to 10% of their time. Travel necessitates the ability to move between buildings and floors within the office campus. Extended periods of stationary work at a computer or standard office equipment are required, along with the capacity to read, compose emails, and produce documents and spreadsheets. Physical access to file cabinets and supplies must be readily available. Effective daily communication and the exchange of accurate information with employees at all organizational levels are essential components of this position.