Associate General Counsel - AI & Product Development

Job Description

Role Summary: We are seeking a dynamic and technically fluent attorney to join our Privacy, Product, & AI Legal team, supporting enterprise-wide, cutting-edge initiatives in AI, product development, privacy, and data governance. This is a high-impact role with cross-functional visibility, and is ideal for a lawyer passionate about emerging technologies, with a strong foundation in product regulatory compliance and commercial contracting, who is ready to grow into a strategic legal advisor. This role supports enterprise wide AI initiatives by assisting in the development, governance, and implementation of safe and responsible AI systems for deployment globally.

This Associate General Counsel - AI & Product Development will play a pivotal role in supporting NIQ's business growth and innovation roadmap, while assuring adherence to global artificial intelligence and data governance laws. The role reports directly to the Chief Privacy Officer & Global General Counsel of Data Security, Product, & AI. The individual will develop governance frameworks for AI and product creation, assist commercial legal teams with AI-focused contracts, maintain compliance with EU and new global AI regulations, and address risks related to AI, technology, cybersecurity, privacy, and data management.

Key Responsibilities Product Development

• Advise on the creation and deployment of AI and data-driven products, ensuring compliance with global laws throughout the product lifecycle
• Collaborate with Product, Technology, Engineering, and Data Science teams to integrate data governance and responsible AI frameworks into new product initiatives
• Review and interpret global AI and data regulations applicable to product features, documentation, and client deliverables, and advise on ways to balance risk and reward for NIQ
• Prepare and maintain external-facing product documentation, such as model cards and transparency notices, for regulatory compliance and client assurance. Provide legal support for onboarding new clients and launching new products
• Support legal reviews related to the development and deployment of AI products and systems, including conducting and documenting risk assessments
• Participate optimally and constructively as a member of the team and act as a strategic partner and trusted advisor on legal and non-legal issues

Commercial Contracting

• Serve as the legal liaison for commercial, procurement, vendor management, sales, and external partners related to AI and technology initiatives
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts focused on AI, data governance, data use, product guardrails, data licensing, and privacy, ensuring protection of NIQ data assets and enablement of NIQ commercial offerings. Support procurement and vendor management teams by negotiating data processing, technology, privacy, and AI contract terms with NIQ vendors, suppliers, and partners
• Translate tech-speak to legal-speak for external counter-parties, bridging the comprehension gaps between the technical functionalities of NIQ's products and the legal terms being negotiated for AI model and product development, deployment, commercialization (including GenAI and data-product lifecycles). Draft AI contracting guidance, playbooks, and governance materials
• Communicate with and influence business clients at all levels of the organization, including senior management and establish proactive and trustworthy relationships with clients as well as other members of the legal organization globally

Internal Compliance Requirements

• Provide analysis and advice on compliance with emerging global AI regulations and standards; further develop and maintain internal policies, risk assessment procedures, and training materials for AI, product development, and data governance
• Advise and oversee regulatorily defined procedures for technical teams, including best practices, employee guidance, and awareness programs. Monitor, interpret, and ensure ongoing compliance with EU and global regulations regarding AI, data privacy, data use, cybersecurity, and data governance (such as GDPR, EU AI Act, US state AI laws, Japan's AI Promotion Act, South Korea's AI Framework Act, EU's Data Governance Act, CCPA/CPRA, PIPEDA, LGPD, PIPL)
• Document and maintain records of data processing activities, risk assessments, and compliance audits to meet regulatory and client requirements
• Conduct systematic internal audits and risk assessments to identify and mitigate AI and product legal, data privacy, and cybersecurity risks, and other duties as assigned to support NIQ's AI and product roadmaps

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree (or international equivalent) from an accredited law school. Proof of admission to the Bar (or international equivalent), and current membership in good standing of such Bar as would permit the practice of law
• 5-10 years of combined, relevant legal experience in law firms, governmental agencies, and/or in-house legal departments for data and/or technology companies. At least 5 years of experience providing product counseling, particularly in areas involving data use, automation, or machine learning in a fast-paced, global business setting
• At least 2 years of experience advising on legal issues related to artificial intelligence, machine learning, or algorithmic decision-making systems. Proven experience in and enjoyment of complex commercial contracting, redlining, and negotiation, especially in tech, AI, privacy, or cybersecurity contexts
• Exceptional communication skills and technical fluency - the ability to simplify complex technical and data-related issues for non-technical stakeholders across functions clearly and effectively
• Proven experience with AI governance, AI ethical frameworks, GenAI, data protection/privacy laws, and cybersecurity frameworks. Knowledge of issues affecting AI/ML, Gen AI, agentic systems, including US and EU AI regulatory compliance obligations, consumer protection, algorithmic bias/discrimination, anti trust, employment, intellectual property, data, and privacy
• Proven ability to identify risks and to comfortably make smart-risk recommendations while balancing reward and business imperatives. And proven experience supporting procurement and vendor contracting processes
• Deep knowledge of global data protection, data handling, and data classification regulations such as EU AI Act, US state AI laws, GDPR, EU Data Governance Act, etc.
• Strong organizational, proactivity, creative problem-solving, and project management skills. Sound judgment evidenced through past work
• Ability to work independently, efficiently, and collaboratively in a global team setting, under time pressures and deadlines, within a highly matrixed, complex organization. Comfortable leading calls and working groups with technical, business, and senior-level stakeholders
• Proven ability to lead and influence cross functional teams, navigate ambiguity and change, spot issues early, and collaborate effectively with a strong team first mindset
• Highly motivated, intellectually curious, and comfortable managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines, with strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, positive energy, and a sense of humor

Preferred Attributes

• Background in technology, computer engineering, computer science, or data science
• Experience in the consumer packaged goods or data analytics industry
• Experience with patent strategy or IP licensing in AI or software/SaaS
• Prior exposure to national security law or cross border data compliance
• AIGP and/or CIPP certification

Benefits

• Flexible working environment
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• 401k plan
• Volunteer time off
• LinkedIn Learning
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.