Chief 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.

Work Arrangement

This is a hybrid position requiring candidates to work on‑site at least 2 days per week at our office in Mississauga. The remaining days may be worked remotely, subject to team and business needs.

About the Role (Job Summary)

The Chief Legal Counsel is responsible for providing strategic counsel and managing legal services to the company on all labour and employment law matters for Canada and other non‑US locations, including international matters arising in Europe. The role will also work on McKesson enterprise matters from time to time. This position reports to the Associate General Counsel, Labour, Employment, Benefits and Executive Compensation, and is part of the broader Labour, Employment, Benefits & Executive Compensation team. This is a key role in ensuring compliance with federal and provincial employment laws governing the company’s operations and will proactively develop policies, templates, and procedures in collaboration with the human resources department as well as the various business leaders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice and guidance to the company on employment and labour law issues while ensuring consistency with McKesson's strategic and business objectives.
• Build and maintain influential relationships across the business, serving as a trusted advisor and strategic partner.
• Establish a legal framework that minimizes exposure for employment liability and legal risk associated with the execution of the business’ strategic plan.
• Address complex legal issues with creativity and foresight, leveraging legal expertise to anticipate future trends and risks.
• 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 LEADRx principles, setting a benchmark for professional and ethical conduct within the organization.
• Collaborate with business unit leaders and business unit human resources professionals to ensure the delivery of added‑value advice regarding employment law risks arising in their work groups and take preventative action to head off potential problems.
• Advise, negotiate and draft settlements related to employment litigation.
• Be responsible for the management and oversight of outside counsel in the defense of employment litigation.
• Represent the company from time to time as advocate in administrative proceedings.
• Support international employment and labour matters arising outside of the U.S. and Canada, including coordinating with local counsel and internal stakeholders as needed.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of current employment law trends and decisions.
• Assist as a legal expert for Canada and enterprise‑wide projects that reduce employment law risk for the organization.
• Carry out other duties as may be requested by the Associate General Counsel, Labour, Employment, Benefits & Executive Compensation.
• Ensure timely provision of legal services required for day‑to‑day management of business activities.
• Develop, draft, review and negotiate key employment‑related agreements and settlements; and advise on employment issues related to mergers, acquisitions and divestitures.
• Provide strategic and practical legal counsel and thought leadership on employment and labour matters.
• Ensure that company policies are compliant with current legislation and implemented in collaboration with the Compliance department.
• Serve as a legal representative in cross‑functional teams to address special projects, such as implementation of legislation, new services or products and risk management.

Position Requirements

• Law degree from a recognized university.
• Member of the Ontario Bar.
• 10+ years of employment law experience.
• Minimum of 6 years in a strategic legal role within health or retail sectors or comparable experience preferred.
• Ability to weigh and balance legal with business needs and goals.
• Recognized as an effective negotiator.
• Proven leadership capabilities with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Bilingualism in English and French is a strong asset.
• Mature, professional, enthusiastic, organized and pragmatic, with sound decision‑making skills, capable of functioning effectively in a complex environment.

Critical Skills

• Recognized as an authority in employment law, with a proven track record of outstanding legal acumen and innovative problem‑solving capabilities. Labour experience is a plus as is a mix of law firm and in‑house experience.
• Ability to think analytically, practically and creatively and to problem‑solve, with a focus on current, innovative, and proactive approaches to employment and labour law. Anticipates future trends and consequences; has broad and deep legal knowledge and perspective.
• Demonstrated ability to implement strategic employment initiatives in a complex, matrixed organization. Exemplify McKesson's I2CARE values in all interactions.
• 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, collaborate with several different stakeholders and be adaptable and dynamic in their strategic advice.

Base Pay Range for this Position

$149,600 - $199,500

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

McKesson provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other legally protected category. For additional information on McKesson’s full Equal Employment Opportunity policies, visit the Equal Employment Opportunity page.

McKesson is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and offers opportunities to all job seekers including job seekers with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, please contact us by sending an email to Disability_Accommodation@McKesson.com or Accessibility@mckesson.ca. Resumes or CVs submitted to this email box will not be accepted.

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