Align Technology is a global medical device company that is changing lives through better smiles. We reimagine and reinvent the way orthodontic and restorative treatment is presented and delivered to millions of people around the world. We revolutionized the orthodontic industry with the introduction of the Align Digital platform including the Invisalign system and the iTero Element TM Family of Intraoral Scanners, and we have never lost sight of that spirit of innovation.
About this opportunity
Align Technology is looking for a dynamic and experienced VP, Regional General Counsel, Americas and Enterprise Legal. This key leadership role will oversee the legal functions for the Americas commercial organization, which includes the US, Canada, and LATAM, while also supporting global initiatives in marketing, business development, M&A, R&D, supply chain, commerce, and clinical operations. The position will also oversee the team providing legal guidance for manufacturing and treatment planning operations in the Americas.
As part of this role, you’ll be a key member of the Legal, RA/QA Leadership Team (L’RAQA LT), Americas Leadership Team (ALT), and Marketing Leadership Team (MLT), ensuring legal, compliance and regulatory obligations are met. This position is based in our Raleigh, North Carolina office and reports directly to the EVP Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer.
About Align
Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign® system, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, iTero™ intraoral scanners and services, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for thousands of doctor customers and are key to accessing Align’s 600 million consumer market opportunity worldwide. Over the past 26 years, Align has helped doctors treat millions of patients with the Invisalign system and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Align Digital Platform™, our integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists and GP dentists, and lab/partners. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.
By joining Align, you will be part of a global, technology company in one of the most dynamic industries. Great people, innovative technologies, and meaningful work – these are just some of the things employees say make Align Technology a great place to work.
We respect your privacy. Please review our Applicant Privacy Policies for additional information.
Global Diversity Statement:
At Align, we believe in the power of a smile, and we know that every smile is as unique as our employees. As we grow, we will continue building a workforce of diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences and fostering a culture of open-mindedness and compassion for all our employees. We live our company values by promoting healthy people and healthy communities. All with the intent of changing millions of lives, one unique smile at a time.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity in all our employment practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, age, individuals with disabilities, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression or any other legally protected category. Applicants for positions with Align must be legally authorized to work in the country which they are applying for, and verification of employment eligibility will be required as a condition of hire.
Core Responsibilities
In this role, you will…
• Lead the Americas and Enterprise Legal Team, setting strategic objectives and enhancing operational effectiveness across regional and global legal functions.
o Serve as a strategic business partner to the Americas Leadership Team, identifying growth opportunities and managing risk effectively.
o Play a pivotal role in shaping the global law department's strategy and vision to become the world’s most influential law department.
o Build strong relationships across all levels of the organization, acting as a confident and collaborative team player.
• Demonstrate T-shaped leadership, combining deep legal expertise with a broad understanding of business needs while embodying Align’s core values of Agility, Customer, and Accountability in all decision-making and team leadership.
o Lead by example in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and proactive problem-solving.
o Drive simplification, efficiency, automation, and AI adoption within the legal function.
• Manage and mentor a high-performing legal team, ensuring all activities are conducted with impeccable business judgment and ethics.
• Have a strong understanding of and ensure the team’s continued development in key compliance and legal areas such as intellectual property (including brand protection and enforcement), commercial, medical device advertising, antitrust and competition, healthcare fraud, anti-bribery and corruption, and data privacy and governance.
• Lead, advise on, and negotiate Align’s most critical and strategic transactions and matters, including M&As, strategic alliances and partnerships, funding and investments, and other business development activities, and adeptly draft related documents and agreements.Provide practical legal advice on complex issues in a variety of contexts, including regulated product launches, technology and commercial transactions, and compliance and regulatory matters.
What we're looking for
In this role, you’ll need …
• A J.D. degree from an accredited law school, with active North Carolina bar membership in good standing preferred.
• A minimum of 20 years of legal experience, including at least six years in-house and six years at a law firm (with some at an Am100 law firm).
• Proven success working in a global, multinational company and extensive experience effectively leading and managing legal teams within a matrixed legal department.
• Intellectual versatility, strong business acumen, and sound judgment. Success in this role also requires agility, creativity, and an internal client-centric focus to drive business growth while effectively managing risk.
• A strong track record in identifying and solving legal issues, and providing strategic advice, in highly regulated industries.
o Specific expertise in the Medical Technology or Pharmaceutical industry and familiarity with related regulations.
o A strong understanding of and meaningful experience in key legal areas such as technology transactions, intellectual property, commercial, antitrust and competition, and data privacy and governance.
o Experience managing litigation and outside counsel (on non-litigation matters) and handling internal investigations, while not essential, would be a plus.
• Exceptional interpersonal, presentation and communication skills, with a strong ability to influence across the business and build trusting relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• A willingness to travel >25%.
This role is ideal for a legal leader who excels in complexity, drives innovation, and is passionate about making an impact.