Description:
Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.This Associate General Counsel will provide legal and regulatory support for the company's pharmacy operations, advising business leaders on complex federal and state requirements across a nationwide, highly regulated environment. The role will work closely with business stakeholders, in partnership with the Compliance, Regulatory Affairs, and Licensing teams, to address regulatory matters, pharmacy inspections and enforcement activity, and the development of new products and services. This individual will also conduct legal research and provide practical guidance to help structure pharmacy programs that operate compliantly across multiple jurisdictions.
You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provide business leaders with practical, timely legal advice on pharmacy regulatory, operational and transactional matters, with a primary focus on the company's pharmacy operations
- Advise on federal and state pharmacy laws and regulations, including requirements administered by state boards of pharmacy, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Food and Drug Administration and other applicable regulators
- Support responses to pharmacy inspections, regulatory inquiries, disciplinary actions, dispensing-related matters and other enforcement activity
- Conduct legal research and analyze evolving regulatory requirements across multiple states and jurisdictions; translate findings into clear, actionable guidance for business partners
- Work with business stakeholders, in partnership with Compliance, Regulatory Affairs, and Pharmacy Licensing teams, to identify, evaluate and manage legal and regulatory risk
- Review new and evolving pharmacy products, services and business strategies and advise on compliant program structures that can operate across multiple jurisdictions
- Advise business leaders on potential liability and exposure, assist with dispute resolution and recommend practical risk-mitigation strategies
- Draft and review contracts, policies, procedures, guidance, communications and other business documents within applicable regulatory frameworks
- Provide education and training to business partners on pharmacy regulatory requirements, legal risk and relevant best practices
- Build effective relationships with internal stakeholders, regulators, industry participants and network partners while supporting business objectives
- Collaborate closely with colleagues across the legal organization and adapt to changing legal support needs in a growing business
- Contribute to a high-performing, collegial team and participate in occasional business travel
You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
Required Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
- Active license and good standing to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
- 5+ years of legal experience in health care regulatory practice
- Experience providing legal research, analysis and advice within complex federal and state regulatory frameworks
- Experience drafting and reviewing contracts, policies, procedures and/or other business documents
- Demonstrated business acumen and ability to provide practical legal guidance that balances regulatory risk and business objectives
- Proven solid written and verbal communication, collaboration, organization and conflict-management skills
- Ability to work effectively across functions, manage ambiguity and changing priorities, and navigate complex stakeholder relationships
Preferred Qualifications:
- Legal or regulatory experience supporting pharmacy operations or the pharmacy care services industry
- Experience working with pharmacies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, third-party payers, industry associations and/or state and federal regulatory agencies
- Experience advising clients across multiple states and jurisdictions on both federal and state regulatory requirements
- Background as a health care professional, such as a pharmacist or nurse
- Experience interacting with state boards of pharmacy, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Food and Drug Administration and related government entities
- Ability to build rapport, trust and productive working relationships with business leaders, peers, regulators and external partners
- Presentation development and delivery skills
