Senior Counsel, Market Access & Commercial Operations

Merck•Boston, MA

4d•$200,400 - $300,600•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Counsel, Market Access & Commercial Operations serves as a trusted legal partner to U.S. Market Access, Trade and Distribution, and Commercial Operations teams. The role provides strategic and practical counsel on healthcare law, regulatory compliance, and business-critical transactions, helping shape how therapies reach patients. The position advises on payer contracting, pricing and reimbursement strategies, field reimbursement activities, and value-based or outcomes-based arrangements. It drafts, reviews, and negotiates agreements with specialty pharmacies, wholesalers, specialty distributors, pharmacy benefit managers, group purchasing organizations, and third-party logistics providers. The role also advises on government pricing frameworks, commercial contracting compliance, and applicable healthcare laws and industry standards. In addition, the Senior Counsel supports Commercial Operations functions including Finance, Tax, and Real Estate, and leads corporate governance activities for U.S. legal entities. The role collaborates with Commercial, Compliance, Medical Affairs, Regulatory, and Government Affairs teams to align practices with legal standards and identify and mitigate risk. It also develops and delivers legal training for the market access team and contributes to corporate policies and governance frameworks.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited U.S. law school.
Active bar membership in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
At least 8 years of legal experience, with significant transactional experience in healthcare, pharmaceutical, or life sciences law.
Deep knowledge of healthcare laws and regulations applicable to pharmaceutical commercialization, including the Anti-Kickback Statute, False Claims Act, and applicable FDA and CMS requirements.
Demonstrated ability to draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements with a range of healthcare industry counterparties.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, and guidance in a practical, business-oriented manner.
External applicants must be eligible to work in the United States; the role does not offer work authorization sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Prior in-house legal experience at a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company.
Experience supporting commercial business units, including payer engagement, commercial contracting, pricing, and patient access strategies.
Background in compliance counseling or engagement with government agencies such as the Office of Inspector General, Department of Justice, or FDA.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic and practical legal counsel to U.S. Market Access, Trade and Distribution, and Commercial Operations teams.
Advise on payer contracting, pricing and reimbursement strategies, field reimbursement activities, and value-based or outcomes-based arrangements.
Draft, review, and negotiate complex agreements with specialty pharmacies, wholesalers, specialty distributors, pharmacy benefit managers, group purchasing organizations, and third-party logistics providers.
Provide legal guidance on government pricing frameworks, commercial contracting compliance, and applicable healthcare laws and industry standards.
Support Commercial Operations functions including Finance, Tax, and Real Estate.
Lead corporate governance activities for U.S. legal entities.
Collaborate with Commercial, Compliance, Medical Affairs, Regulatory, and Government Affairs teams to align business practices with legal standards and identify and mitigate risk in commercial strategies and reimbursement initiatives.
Develop and deliver legal training to the market access team.
Contribute to the refinement of corporate policies and governance frameworks.