Job description
Building the Future of Crypto
Our Krakenites are a world-class team with crypto conviction, united by our desire to discover and unlock the potential of crypto and blockchain technology.
What makes us different?
Kraken is a mission-focused company rooted in crypto values. As a Krakenite, you’ll join us on our mission to accelerate the global adoption of crypto, so that everyone can achieve financial freedom and inclusion. For over a decade, Kraken’s focus on our mission and crypto ethos has attracted many of the most talented crypto experts in the world.
Before you apply, please read the Kraken Culture page to learn more about our internal culture, values, and mission. We also expect candidates to familiarize themselves with the Kraken app. Learn how to create a Kraken account here.
As a fully remote company, we have Krakenites in 70+ countries who speak over 50 languages. Krakenites are industry pioneers who develop premium crypto products for experienced traders, institutions, and newcomers to the space. Kraken is committed to industry-leading security, crypto education, and world-class client support through our products like Kraken Pro, Desktop, Wallet, and Kraken Futures.
Become a Krakenite and build the future of crypto!
Proof of work
The team
The Commercial Legal team is at the forefront of Kraken’s global business operations, serving as strategic legal partners across all departments. This lean and dynamic group is responsible for managing a wide range of commercial contracts and supporting the company in its partnerships, procurement, licensing, and vendor relationships. The team plays a key role in enabling Kraken’s rapid innovation and expansion while protecting the business from legal and regulatory risks.
As Head of Commercial Legal, you’ll lead a team of three experienced commercial counsel and paralegals and work cross-functionally with product, engineering, procurement, marketing, and other teams to ensure Kraken’s commercial relationships are legally sound and strategically aligned.
The opportunity
Lead and grow the Commercial Legal function and manage a high-performing team of commercial attorneys and paralegals supporting global contracting across the business.
Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership and stakeholders on a wide range of commercial legal matters and negotiations including technology agreements, SaaS deals, partnership contracts, and procurement agreements.
Oversee the development and continuous improvement of templates, playbooks, processes, and risk management practices to ensure scalable and efficient contracting.
Collaborate closely with Product and Compliance teams to assess legal risks and implement practical solutions to enable innovation.
Partner with the Procurement team to support vendor onboarding and contract negotiation across multiple jurisdictions.
Support M&A through contract review and integration efforts.
Help manage contract lifecycle systems and contribute to operationalizing legal workflows through automation and technology.
Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned
Skills you should HODL
J.D. or equivalent legal degree and active license to practice law in at least one jurisdiction.
10+ years of commercial legal experience, ideally with a combination of top-tier law firm and in-house counsel work.
Strong experience leading complex commercial transactions in a global environment, including SaaS, technology, and vendor agreements.
Demonstrated leadership experience, including team management and cross-functional collaboration.
Exceptional contract drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth, and remote-first environment.
Nice-to-haves
Experience working in fintech, crypto, or similarly regulated industries.
Familiarity with procurement and vendor onboarding processes.
Background in supporting product and engineering teams on go-to-market strategies.
Experience implementing or managing contract lifecycle management (CLM) tools.
A passion for crypto, Web3, and emerging technologies.
#LI-Remote #LI-CM1 #US
This job is accepting ongoing applications and there is no application deadline.
Please note, applicants are permitted to redact or remove information on their resume that identifies age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment on our team, assessing candidates in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Kraken is powered by people from around the world and we celebrate all Krakenites for their diverse talents, backgrounds, contributions and unique perspectives. We hire strictly based on merit, meaning we seek out the candidates with the right abilities, knowledge, and skills considered the most suitable for the job. We encourage you to apply for roles where you don’t fully meet the listed requirements, especially if you’re passionate or knowledgable about crypto!
As an equal opportunity employer, we don’t tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Whether that’s based on race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, citizenship, religion, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state or local laws.
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