Head of Legal, Canada

Your Role:

• You will be an active member of the Canada Leadership Team and key partner to compliance team in Canada and North American region.
• Ensure that the Canadian affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany operates in compliance with local laws/regulations/guidelines, and in accordance with both the company Code of Conduct and the Canadian respective Codes of Compliance for IMC (Innovative Medicines Canada).
• Lead the legal function in Canada; responsible for providing/overseeing the delivery of legal services regarding innovative prescription medicine and related medical devices; including all commercial and medical activities (promotional and non-promotional activity, patient support programs, product reimbursement and market access issues, communication of scientific information and delivery of scientific programs).
• Fulfill the duties of local legal counsel – ensure compliance and provide advice regarding Canadian law and corporate guidelines, manage subsidiary governance structure (Board of Director resolutions), manage local contracts, any legal actions in Canada, and advise all internal departments on appropriate actions, with specific attention to Compliance, HR, marketing and sales.
• Be a member of the Medical/Legal/Regulatory promotional materials review committee to ensure all scientific and promotional materials and programs are reviewed appropriately and according to all local regulations and company guidelines; they must be apprised of all local guidelines including the IMC Code of Ethical Conduct, PAAB, ASC, Health Canada guidelines as it relates to pharmaceutical product and medical device advertising.
• Provide support to the local Privacy Officer – ensure that appropriate processes are in place to protect the privacy of the company’s employees, customers (healthcare providers) and patients/consumers.
• Undertake appropriate audit action to monitor compliance and address any necessary changes.
• Drafting, negotiation and review of commercial contracts, including MSAs, HCP contracts, NDAs etc.
• Legal support for Canadian functional units, including HR, Compliance, Regulatory, Finance, Procurement, Supply Chain and Quality Operations, both locally and globally.
• Risk reporting and management.
• Canadian IP portfolio management and advice, PMPRB advice; litigation management, claims reporting and management of external counsel.
• Member of the business development team; key partner in negotiation and drafting of any local business development matters and resulting contracts.
• Corporate subsidiary governance; ensure that company’s governance structure and systems are appropriate and that the appropriate documentation is on record – board resolutions, amendments, signing authorities.
• Respect and adhere to ethical/legal/regulatory/company guidelines.
• All other duties as assigned.

Location: Mississauga, CAN, Hybrid 3 days per week onsite

Travel: <15%; International and Domestic

Who You Are:

Minimum Qualifications

• JD and currently licensed to practice law in Canada
• Experience in the Canadian pharmaceutical industry (minimum 7 years)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• French language preferred but not required

Company is committed to accessibility in its workplaces, including during the job application process. Applicants who may require accommodation during the application process should speak with our HR Services team at 855 444 5678 from 8:00am to 5:30pm ET Monday through Friday.