Legal Counsel - Direct Sourcing

Patterson Companies is an industry leading specialty distributor serving the dental, production animal and companion veterinary markets. Patterson Dental provides a virtually complete range of consumable dental products, equipment and software, turnkey digital solutions and the most-needed services to dentists and dental laboratories throughout North America. Patterson Animal Health and Veterinary is a distributor of veterinary supplies, equipment and software, diagnostic products, vaccines and pharmaceuticals to animal production and veterinary customers. This role will partner with business leaders and be responsible for supporting and advising on a wide range of legal issues related to the company’s direct sourcing and distribution agreements in Patterson’s Dental, Animal Health and Veterinary units. The primary objective of the role is to assist internal stakeholders in advancing business priorities in the area of direct sourcing while balancing and minimizing potential legal risks, considerations and liabilities.

Major Duties

• This position will be responsible for proactive guidance on a wide variety of transactional matters, including but not limited to: manufacturer and distribution arrangements, product development, procurement, marketing, vendor agreements, service agreements, program/policy based initiatives, non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements, and other legal duties as assigned.
• Proactively participates in business development matters, which will include, as appropriate: effective issue spotting, strong drafting, detailed review, and front line communications. The position will be primarily transactional based in reviewing, drafting, negotiating and advising on a wide range of legal documents consistent with Company policies, philosophy, risk tolerances and practices. Will participate in direct stakeholder engagement and act as liaison with outside counsel as appropriate.
• Proactively identifies recurring issues and patterns associated with internal and external legal matters and areas of risk in Direct Sourcing and advises senior leadership of the same. Creates and implements strategies to maximize commercial advantages and reduce liability in contractual arrangements. Promotes positive service levels with respect to client relations.
• Independently leads and manages a comprehensive and timely set of projects, responsibilities, or legal requests directly from internal stakeholders. Analyzes issues, proposes solutions, and engages senior legal advisors as appropriate.  Prepares reports, summaries, or guidance with respect to matters of risk for management review related to Direct Sourcing. Responsible for managing and delegating assignments to support staff or other required parties to complete transactions.

Key Responsibilities

• Primary Legal lead for Patterson’s Direct Sourcing departments in Dental, Animal Health, and Veterinary divisions

• Draft, negotiate, and review a diverse set of legal documents, including distribution agreements, chargebacks, rebates, marketing arrangements, data sharing agreements, service agreements, RFPs, non-disclosure agreements, and purchase agreements, etc.

• Develop and maintain legal forms and templates and implement process improvements

• Provide legal guidance to enterprise-level functions and business leaders (e.g., Division presidents, channel directors, marketing, finance, risk management and insurance, tax, etc.) on contract and legal interpretations, impacted risks and practical solutions to identified legal issues and areas of opportunity

• Manage outside counsel and related professional services

• Develop and manage contract management processes and assist in training on legal topics, policies, and procedures

• Adhere to Department service levels and manage projects and priorities as a self-starter in support of Direct Sourcing and marketing business teams

• Provide attention to detail, timely responses, and prompt, accurate support and communications to Legal colleagues and leadership

• Stay informed of industry trends, developments in applicable regulations, and changes in product offerings and services or other related developments

Job Qualifications

Strong interpersonal skills, ability to prioritize effectively and process a high volume of work timely. Good drafting and analytical skills and an ability to advise a diverse range of clients. Self starter with proven ability to make independent and sound decisions with great communication skills, reliable judgment on when to seek guidance or subject matter expertise and a strong ability to build rapport and effectively manage disagreements.

Law Degree required from an accredited law school. Admitted to MN bar. Minimum 7 years legal experience, with firm and in-house experience preferred.