Associate General Counsel, Optum Rx Industry Relations - Remote

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 diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Associate General Counsel will provide legal guidance and support to leaders across the Industry Relations and Optum Specialty Holdings businesses. This role involves drafting and reviewing contracts, advising on high-risk issues and collaborating with internal partners to ensure compliance and mitigate risks. 

The attorney must be willing to function as a utility player, requiring an ability to learn and pivot quickly among projects from various leaders. The candidate should be able to act independently with minimal supervision where appropriate. Candidate will be expected to handle and complete negotiations with pharmaceutical manufacturers. Successful candidates will be comfortable meeting with senior internal business leaders to advise on legal considerations associated with new product development and manufacturer agreements. Candidate will also be expected to work with other Optum attorneys on issues involving multiple legal teams. 

This position reports to the Senior Associate General Counsel. 

You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Serve as a legal advisor, providing strategic advice to leaders on a variety business matters including, but not limited to: contract interpretation, dispute resolution, and new product and service line development. 
• Draft and review contracts with pharmaceutical manufacturers in support of procurement, rebate operations, and distribution. 
• Represent the Industry Relations team in external negotiations and for internal business meetings. 
• Collaborate with internal partners to advise on high-risk issues related to rebate and payment disputes, contract compliance, and applicable fraud, waste, and abuse matters.
• Work with business teams to develop and provide guidance on appropriate firewalls among business units and conduct necessary training sessions. 
• Provide support to other legal team members in their pharma relations functions, as directed by the Deputy General Counsel or General Counsel, including participation in workgroups supporting other large transactions undertaken by Optum Rx. 

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: 

• 8 years of experience as a practicing attorney, licensed in one or more jurisdictions
• Significant experience in contract drafting and negotiation
• Proven sound verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to advise senior lawyers and management on high-risk issues in the face of ambiguity and an evolving regulatory environment

Preferred Qualifications

• “First chair” experience as a lead contract negotiator with external parties
• Experience with the healthcare industry; pharmaceutical industry experience
• Demonstrated working knowledge of federal healthcare law, including the Anti-Kickback statute, Stark Law, and fraud, waste and abuse regulations

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy 

The salary range for this role is $124,500 to $239,400 annually based on full-time employment. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. UnitedHealth Group complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with UnitedHealth Group, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.   

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.  

Salary : $124,500 - $239,400