Senior Legal Counsel, Employment Law

McKesson is an impact-driven, Fortune 10 company that touches virtually every aspect of healthcare. We are known for delivering insights, products, and services that make quality care more accessible and affordable. Here, we focus on the health, happiness, and well-being of you and those we serve – we care.

What you do at McKesson matters. We foster a culture where you can grow, make an impact, and are empowered to bring new ideas. Together, we thrive as we shape the future of health for patients, our communities, and our people. If you want to be part of tomorrow’s health today, we want to hear from you.

Job Summary

The Senior Legal Counsel position is responsible for providing counsel and managing legal services to the company on labor and employment law matters. He/she will be a key player in ensuring compliance with federal and provincial employment laws governing the company’s operations and will pro-actively develop policies, templates, and procedures in collaboration with the human resources department as well as the various business leaders. More specifically, the Senior Counsel will:

• Provide advice and guidance to the company on employment and labor law issues while ensuring consistency with McKesson's strategic and business objectives;

• Establish a legal framework that minimizes exposure for employment liability and legal risk associated with the execution of the business’ strategic plan;

• Build and maintain key relationships across the business and be a valued business partner;

• Collaborate and consult effectively with other corporate functions including the McKesson corporate employment and benefits group to align on enterprise initiatives where appropriate;

• Demonstrate the highest integrity consistent with ICARE and ILEAD principles and will act as a role model for professional and ethical behavior;

Specific Responsibilities

• Work closely with human resources to align and support HR’s efforts to create and maintain an engaged workforce

• Collaborate with business unit leaders and business unit human resource professionals to ensure appreciation of employment law risks arising in their work groups and take preventative action to head off potential problems

• Responsible for the management and oversight of outside counsel in the defense of employment litigation

• From time to time represent the company as advocate in administrative agency proceedings

• Assist with enterprise-wide projects that reduce employment law risk for the organization

• Carry out other duties as may be requested by the Vice President, Regulatory Affairs

• Ensures the timely provision of legal services required for the day-to-day management of business activities by the law department;

• Participates in the drafting, review and negotiation of key employment-related agreements and advises on employment issues related to mergers, acquisitions and divestitures

• Provides strategic legal counsel and thought leadership on employment and labor matters;

• Ensures that company policies are implemented in collaboration with the Compliance department;

• Participates in cross-functional teams to address special projects, such as implementation of legislation, new services or products and risk management

Critical Skills 

• Legal Experience: A subject matter expert who has demonstrated outstanding legal ability in the practice of employment law. A mix of law firm and in-house experience is a plus.  The successful candidate must have a proven track record of accomplishment as a lawyer with strong technical legal expertise and who, when required, can also roll up his or her sleeves and focus on the details of a matter as an individual contributor.  Ability to think analytically and creatively and to problem solve, with a focus on current, innovative, and proactive approaches to employment and labor law.  Anticipates future trends and consequences; has broad and deep legal knowledge and perspective. 

• Effective Interpersonal and Influencing Skills: In order to be successful, the lawyer in this role must be able to proactively implement employment strategies in a highly matrixed organization.  The person in this role must demonstrate McKesson’s I2CARE values of Integrity, Inclusion, Customer First, Accountability, Respect and Excellence in day-to-day workplace interactions. 

Position Requirements

• Law degree from a recognized university;

• Member of the Ontario Bar, with +/- 8 years employment law experience acquired in-house and/or in private practice

• Relevant experience in the health or retail sectors as well as familiarity with regulated environments an asset

• Ability to weigh and balance legal risk with business needs and goals 

• Recognized as an effective negotiator 

• Proven leadership ability, highly effective communication (both oral and written) and interpersonal skills

• Mature, professional, enthusiastic, organized and pragmatic, with sound decision-making skills, capable of functioning effectively in a complex environment

• English and French bilingualism a strong asset

We are proud to offer a competitive compensation package at McKesson as part of our Total Rewards. This is determined by several factors, including performance, experience and skills, equity, regular job market evaluations, and geographical markets. The pay range shown below is aligned with McKesson's pay philosophy, and pay will always be compliant with any applicable regulations. In addition to base pay, other compensation, such as an annual bonus or long-term incentive opportunities may be offered. For more information regarding benefits at McKesson, please click here.

Our Base Pay Range for this position

$113,500 - $189,100

McKesson is an Equal Opportunity Employer

McKesson provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees and is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age or genetic information. For additional information on McKesson’s full Equal Employment Opportunity policies, visit our Equal Employment Opportunity page.

Join us at McKesson!