Principal Legal Counsel, Employment Law

McKesson•Mississauga, ON

6d•CA$149,600 - CA$199,500•Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Legal Counsel position 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 pro-actively develop policies, templates, and procedures in collaboration with the human resources department as well as the various business leaders.

Requirements

Law degree from a recognized university
Member of the Ontario or Quebec Bar
10+ years employment law experience, with a minimum of 8 years in a strategic legal role within health or retail sectors or comparable experience
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.
Mature, professional, enthusiastic, organized and pragmatic, with sound decision-making skills, capable of functioning effectively in a complex environment
Recognized as an authority in employment law, with a proven track record of outstanding legal acumen and innovative problem-solving capabilities.
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

Nice To Haves

Labour experience is a plus
Bilingualism in English and French is a strong asset
mix of law firm and in-house experience

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
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 in current employment law trends and decisions
Assist as 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
Ensures the timely provision of legal services required for the day-to-day management of business activities by the law department
Develops, drafts, reviews, and negotiates key employment-related agreements and settlements; and advises on employment issues related to mergers, acquisitions and divestitures
Provides strategic and practical legal counsel and thought leadership on employment and labour matters
Ensures that company policies are compliant with current legislation and implemented in collaboration with the Compliance department; and Legal representative in cross-functional teams to address special projects, such as implementation of legislation, new services or products and risk management