Senior Legal Counsel - Merchandise Contracting

CVS Health

5d

About The Position

We’re building a world of health around every individual — shaping a more connected, convenient and compassionate health experience. At CVS Health®, you’ll be surrounded by passionate colleagues who care deeply, innovate with purpose, hold ourselves accountable and prioritize safety and quality in everything we do. Join us and be part of something bigger – helping to simplify health care one person, one family and one community at a time. Position Summary The Senior Counsel, Merchandise Contracting, provides expert legal counsel and leadership in support of CVS Health’s Pharmacy Consumer Wellness (“PCW”) merchandise business. As Senior Counsel for Merchandise Contracting, you will provide strategic legal advice and counsel to internal business partners across a range of retail initiatives. This role is responsible for negotiating, drafting, and managing complex commercial contracts with suppliers, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and regulatory standards. The Senior Counsel partners closely with business leaders, category managers, and cross-functional teams to enable innovation, manage risk, and drive process improvement in merchandise contracting. "You will take a lead role in optimizing contract intake, review, and management systems, and will champion the adoption of merchandise supplier agreements. Success in this role requires building a deep understanding of the operational systems relevant to the PCW and Merchandising teams, and maintaining strong, positive relationships with clients at all levels. To be successful in this role, you will possess: Superior writing and communication skills, exceptional organizational skills, and strong attention to detail. The ability to work collaboratively in a large, complex corporate structure, and to work sensitively with confidential matters. Independent work style and ability to anticipate issues and create and implement methods for optimizing results and minimizing risks. Initiative, drive and self-confidence. Ability to develop a deep understanding of the business and operational goals of assigned internal clients and work diligently to develop and maintain positive relationships with clients at all levels of the organization. Comfortable in a fast-paced environment and successfully manage many projects -- whether large or small, complex or simple -- simultaneously.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor from ABA-accredited institution required; Bar admission in good standing
• 8+ years legal experience
• Expert knowledge of and experience with vendor contracting required;
• Experience advising on healthcare or retail issues;
• Demonstrated business judgment and acumen required;
• Superior oral and written communication skills required;
• High level of interpersonal skills and ability to manage multiple client areas required;
• Superior problem-solving skills required

Responsibilities

• Contracting—Merchandise supplier, as well as other Merch initiatives as required Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including complex supplier contracts, licensing arrangements, and service agreements.
• Collaborate with category managers, finance, and compliance teams to structure deals that support business strategy while mitigating legal and operational risks.
• Provide ongoing training and guidance to business partners on legal processes and best practices for contract management.
• Lead efforts to streamline contracting processes, develop template agreements, and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce cycle times.
• Drive business partner engagement to utilize standardized agreements and advocate for best practices in contracting.
• Advise internal stakeholders on legal, regulatory, and business issues related to merchandise contracts, supplier agreements, and initiatives.
• Advise on changes in applicable retail and healthcare laws and regulations, ensuring compliance and timely communication of relevant updates to stakeholders.
• Provide legal expertise on Merch initiatives, projects and/or specialized legal matters affecting the Merch team and perform special research projects.
• Advise clients with respect to various vendor demand letters and assist, as requested, with pre-litigation dispute resolution;
• Review and advise on legal issues associated with contract terminations

Benefits

• Affordable medical plan options, a 401(k) plan (including matching company contributions), and an employee stock purchase plan.
• No-cost programs for all colleagues including wellness screenings, tobacco cessation and weight management programs, confidential counseling and financial coaching.
• Benefit solutions that address the different needs and preferences of our colleagues including paid time off, flexible work schedules, family leave, dependent care resources, colleague assistance programs, tuition assistance, retiree medical access and many other benefits depending on eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree