Senior Counsel, US AWM Commercial

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. The Senior Counsel, US AWM Commercial will serve as a trusted legal advisor to the US Advanced Wound Management business. This role will provide practical, business-oriented legal support for commercial strategy, customer contracting, sales and marketing initiatives, pricing, reimbursement, market access, distribution, customer programs and other go-to-market activities. The successful candidate will partner closely with commercial, marketing, sales operations, finance, health economics and market access, medical affairs, compliance, regulatory, quality, supply chain and other teams to support practical, business-oriented decision making in a highly regulated environment.

This is a high-impact role for an attorney who enjoys working directly with business leaders, translating legal requirements into clear guidance, and supporting commercial initiatives from concept through execution.

What will you be doing?

• Serve as a trusted commercial legal advisor to the US Advanced Wound Management (AWM) business, supporting commercial strategy, customer engagement, product and service initiatives, market access, reimbursement, pricing, distribution, specialty pharmacy, channel management and other go-to-market activities.
• Provide practical, business-oriented guidance on commercial programs and healthcare regulatory considerations, working closely with Compliance, Regulatory, Quality, Privacy, Medical Access, Supply Chain and other functional partners as needed.
• Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of AWM commercial agreements, including customer, GPO, IDN, distributor, specialty pharmacy, services, data, consulting, clinical, marketing, purchasing and supply agreements.
• Support Federal Contracting, corporate transaction, dispute-related and other commercial matters as required.
• Support on diligence, execution and integration of US AWM aspects of strategic initiatives and corporate transactions, including acquisitions, disposals and reorganisations as required.
• Develop, improve and promote consistent use of commercial contracting resources, including templates, clause libraries, playbooks, approval matrices, intake processes, technology platforms and practical tools that support efficient commercial execution and customer-focused legal service delivery.
• Design and deliver training, process guidance and practical tools for Legal and business teams on commercial contracting, commercial processes, customer engagement, escalation pathways and use of approved templates and playbooks.
• Manage external counsel support and related budgets, including appropriate deployment of internal and external legal resources and use of legal billing systems to support effective matter management.

What will you need to be successful?

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in at least one US jurisdiction.
• 8+ years of relevant legal experience in a law firm, in-house legal department or both.
• Experience advising life sciences, healthcare, pharmaceutical, medical device or other regulated commercial businesses preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of healthcare laws and regulations relevant to commercial activities in a regulated life sciences environment.
• Interest in a role with meaningful client contact, senior business partnership and responsibility for developing practical legal solutions for a growing commercial organization.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Strong legal, analytical, communication and presentation skills for the candidate’s level of experience.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment and advise senior business leaders on complex legal and commercial issues.
• Strong business acumen and interest in understanding commercial strategy, organizational priorities and the practical realities of serving customers in a regulated environment.
• Collaborative working style and ability to build effective relationships with Legal, Compliance, commercial and functional stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate complex legal and business issues clearly, concisely and practically.
• Self-motivated, solutions-oriented and comfortable managing competing priorities, ambiguity and time-sensitive matters.
• Strong time management skills coupled with an ability to work within tight deadlines and manage both internal and external stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
• Curiosity and interest in improving the delivery of in-house legal services through practical tools, process improvements and technology.

You Unlimited.

• The anticipated base compensation range for this position is $150,250 - $246,813 USD annually. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, and geographic location. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. In addition to base pay, we offer competitive bonus and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, medical leave programs, parental leave, generous PTO, paid company holidays, 8 hours of volunteer time annually, and a variety of wellness offerings such as EAP.

• Inclusion + Belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving. Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website https://www.smith-nephew.com/

• Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement  

• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day  

• Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program 

• Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles)  

• Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship  

• Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!  

Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.