Contract Negotiator

Socket.dev; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Surgical, based in Atlanta, seeks a Contract Negotiator to lead commercial contracting. You will draft, negotiate, and finalize complex customer contracts, including sales agreements and data/privacy instruments, coordinating with salesforces and multiple internal teams under tight deadlines.

In addition to strong contract drafting and negotiation skills, you will stay current on HIPAA, data security, and regulatory considerations, identify risks, and manage the contract lifecycle from

Qualifications

• JD or equivalent legal experience.
• 3+ years’ experience with commercial contracts or equivalent transferrable skillset.
• Working knowledge of HIPAA, data security, or data privacy regulations.
• Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Contract drafting and negotiation of complex customer contracts, including sales agreements and privacy-related documents.
• Research changes in the medical device industry affecting contracts and provide guidance.
• Cross-functional collaboration with internal stakeholders and external parties to implement templates and support product launches.
• Risk management to identify and mitigate legal risks and ensure compliance.
• Manage the contract lifecycle from drafting to execution and renewal.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Autonomous work

Education

Law degree (JD)

Job description

Primary Function of Position:

The Contract Negotiator is key in Intuitive's commercial contracting. As the main communicator for sales contracts, the Contract Negotiator works with Intuitive's salesforce, leadership, internal management, over 10 departments, and customers for compliance and mitigation of risk in commercial contracts. The Contract Negotiator handles tasks like contract drafting, negotiating, and finalizing commercial contracts. This is done professionally in a high-pressure environment with tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

Contract Drafting and Negotiation. Prepare, review, and negotiate complex customer contracts, including sales agreements for Intuitive's products and services. Act as a point of contact for digital, data, and privacy agreements, including Business Associate Agreements.

Research. Stay updated on changes in the medical device industry affecting customer contracts. Provide recommendations and guidance based on industry best practices.

Cross Functional Collaboration. Collaborate with internal stakeholders, like Business Development, Product Marketing, Legal, Regulatory Affairs, Service Department, Field Service, Manufacturing, and Executives. Understand business goals, incorporate Legal’s advice, and negotiate favorable terms. Prior to commercial launch of a new product, review and assess the impact of the new product on existing agreements or agreement templates. Coordinate drafting of or implement new agreement templates prepared or approved by Legal to support new products. Interface with external parties, including customers, regulators, and affiliates.

Risk Management. Identify and elevate potential legal risks in contracts and collaborate with Legal to mitigate them. Manage risks and confirm compliance with company policies designed to operate within applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.

Contract Lifecycle Management. Manage the entire contract lifecycle, from drafting to execution and termination. Ensure timely renewal, amendments, and compliance. Work closely with Legal, Sales, Customer Service, Accounting, and Logistics teams on the system sales process. Collaborate with Marketing, Clinical Affairs, and Market Access on further contractual activities.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Law degree (JD) from an accredited law school or equivalent legal experience.
• 3+ years’ experience with commercial contracts, or equivalent transferrable skillset from in‑house or law firm setting.
• Working knowledge of contractual terms and conditions, HIPAA, data security, or data privacy regulations.
• Exceptional contract drafting and negotiation skills with a keen attention to detail, preferably commercial terms and conditions.
• Exceptional interest in commercial transactions, financial activities, and business decisions. Ready to work closely with a dynamic and energetic salesforce.
• Detail‑oriented, organized, and able to work in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment. Excellent problem‑solving skills and ability to handle complex contract issues and negotiations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including contract drafting skills. Exceptional interpersonal skills to work with cross‑functional teams and external stakeholders.
• Proactive problem‑solver, self‑motivated with an exceptional work ethic, commitment to excellence, and ability to work autonomously.

Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19. Details can vary by role.

Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.

U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer: In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employees who are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.

Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government’s licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (“TCP”) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).

For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee’s start date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.

This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on business need and/or on the selected candidate’s experience, knowledge and skills. Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the candidate’s qualifications, consistent with applicable law.

We provide market‑competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.

Accommodation & Accessibility Notice:

Intuitive is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or an accommodation during any part of the application or interview process, please contact People Services at [e-mail].

It started with a simple idea: what if surgery could be less invasive and recovery less painful? Nearly 30 years later, that question still fuels everything we do at Intuitive. As a global leader in robotic‑assisted surgery and minimally invasive care, our technologies—like the da Vinci surgical system and Ion—have transformed how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide.

We’re a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. Every day, our work helps care teams perform with greater precision and patients recover faster, improving outcomes around the world.

The problems we solve demand creativity, rigor, and collaboration. The work is challenging, but deeply meaningful—because every improvement we make has the potential to change a life.

If you’re ready to contribute to something bigger than yourself and help transform the future of healthcare, you’ll find your purpose here.