Managing Senior Counsel - Benefits & Compensation

CVS Health Corporation; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 175,000 - 335,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Equity awards

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

CVS Health Corporation is seeking a Managing Senior Legal Counsel, Compensation & Benefits, to guide health and welfare plans, retirement programs, and executive compensation initiatives. You will advise senior leadership, fiduciaries and internal teams on regulatory compliance, governance and strategic design across large benefit programs.

You will lead the Compensation & Benefits legal team, partner with corporate affairs, and help ensure effective risk management while delivering practical,

Qualifications

• ERISA, IRC, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA and 409A knowledge.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex legal concepts to business stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal counsel on health and welfare, retirement, and executive compensation programs.
• Advise on governance, fiduciary duties, and regulatory compliance for benefit plans.
• Support M&A activity with employee benefits and compensation considerations.
• Lead and develop the compensation and benefits legal team.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to promote compliance and operational excellence.

Skills

Legal analysis

Drafting & Negotiation

Communication skills

Prioritization

Business judgment

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree

Job description

We’re building a world of health around every individual — shaping a more connected, convenient and compassionate health experience. At CVS Health®, you’ll be surrounded by passionate colleagues who care deeply, innovate with purpose, hold ourselves accountable and prioritize safety and quality in everything we do. Join us and be part of something bigger – helping to simplify health care one person, one family and one community at a time.

Position Summary

As Managing Senior Legal Counsel, Compensation & Benefits, you will serve as a key member of the Compensation & Benefits Legal Team within the CVS Health Corporate Affairs organization. You will provide strategic, practical, and business-focused legal counsel to internal stakeholders, senior/executive management and fiduciaries regarding the design, implementation, administration, governance, and regulatory compliance of health and welfare plans, retirement plans and executive compensation programs and related issues. You will also be responsible for assisting with management of the Compensation and Benefits legal team.

Major Responsibilities

1. Health and Welfare Benefits Provide legal counsel regarding the design, implementation, administration, and governance of health and welfare benefit plans. Advise on compliance with ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, MHPAEA, CAA, and other applicable federal and state laws.
2. Retirement Plans Provide legal support for the administration and governance of defined contribution and other retirement programs.
   • Draft, review, and amend plan documents, summary plan descriptions, committee charters, resolutions, and related participant communications.
   • Advise plan fiduciaries regarding fiduciary responsibilities, prohibited transaction considerations, governance practices, and risk mitigation strategies.
   • Support responses to participant inquiries, benefit claims, appeals, and regulatory matters.
3. Employee Benefits Compliance and Governance Support benefit plan audits, governmental examinations, Form 5500 filings, and other compliance-related activities. Advise on benefit plan governance structures and fiduciary committee operations. Review and negotiate benefits related contracts. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to promote compliance and operational excellence.
4. Executive Compensation Provide legal counsel regarding the design, implementation, administration, and governance of executive compensation programs, including incentive programs, equity awards, nonqualified deferred compensation plans, and severance plans.
5. Mergers & Acquisitions Advise on employee benefits and executive compensation matters in mergers, acquisitions and divestitures.

Required Qualifications

• Admitted to practice law in at least one state and member in good standing of applicable state bar association(s).
• 10+ years of experience advising on employee benefits and executive compensation matters, including regarding ERISA, IRC, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA and 409A, preferably in a large law firm, corporate legal department, or combination thereof.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to provide legal advice using extensive knowledge of law and risk awareness.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex legal concepts to business stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.
• Strong business judgment and a solution‑oriented approach to legal counseling.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting benefits programs for a large, complex employer.
• Experience advising fiduciary committees and supporting ERISA litigation, government audits, or regulatory investigations.
• Experience managing junior colleagues.

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.

Pay Range

The typical pay range for this role is: $175,100.00 - $334,750.00 This pay range represents the base hourly rate or base annual full-time salary for all positions in the job grade within which this position falls. The actual base salary offer will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education, geography and other relevant factors. This position is eligible for a CVS Health bonus, commission or short-term incentive program in addition to the base pay range listed above. This position also includes an award target in the company’s equity award program.

Our people fuel our future. Our teams reflect the customers, patients, members and communities we serve and we are committed to fostering a workplace where every colleague feels valued and that they belong.

Great benefits for great people. We take pride in offering a comprehensive and competitive mix of pay and benefits that reflects our commitment to our colleagues and their families.

This full‑time position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the physical, emotional, and financial well‑being of colleagues and their families. The benefits for this position include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, retirement savings options, wellness programs, and other resources, based on eligibility.

Additional details about available benefits are provided during the application process and on Benefits Moments.

11/06/2026

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state and local laws.