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GENERAL COUNSEL

Overview: The General Counsel at Covetrus will be a strategic advisor who will work closely with the CEO, Chief Administrative Officer, CFO, the executive team and Board of Directors, as well as manage a global team of 22 attorneys and staff. The position reports to the Chief Administrative Officer. They will be a true generalist who will advise on public company securities compliance and corporate governance, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, international matters, employment, regulatory, compliance, litigation, and intellectual property.

Company: Covetrus is dedicated to advancing the world of veterinary medicine and empowering veterinary healthcare teams across the companion, equine, and large-animal health markets. We provide a comprehensive suite of products, software, and services to help drive improved patient health, strong client relationships, and successful financial outcomes for veterinary professionals. Covetrus was founded in February, 2019 as the combination of Henry Schein Animal Health and Vets First Choice, and began trading on the NASDAQ under the symbol CVET. Covetrus has over $4 billion in revenues and more than 5,500 employees in 19 countries.

Location: Denver area, CO

Relocation: Yes

Experience: 15+ years of relevant experience, including top law firm training, experience serving as General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel of a publicly-traded global company, and experience managing a team.

Position Information

Other Responsibilities Will Include

The General Counsel will function as an integral member of the company’s executive team and as Company Secretary for the Board of Directors. They will manage a team of 22 attorneys and staff.

• Oversee all public company securities compliance, including NASDAQ and SEC rules and regulations and listing/reporting requirements
• Oversee all corporate governance, support and advise the Board of Directors, oversee board and committee operations and meetings/minutes
• Work with the executive team on all corporate development/M&A activity as well as joint ventures and other possible investments, both domestic and international
• Advise on corporate finance
• Support and advise the human resources department on employment issues
• Advise on regulatory and compliance matters
• Support the legal needs of the finance and treasury functions
• Together with the executive team, provide counsel to the Company on business initiatives and important strategic decisions
• With the assistance of outside counsel, direct the Company’s litigation and dispute resolution proceedings
• Manage and lead the in-house legal department
• Manage outside counsel
  

Qualifications & Skills

Required Experience & Skills:

• JD, top academic credentials and law firm training and member of a state bar
• 15+ years of relevant experience, including prior experience as a General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel of a global publicly-traded company
• Experience with public company securities compliance and corporate governance
• Experience working with a Board of Directors
• Experience with corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions
• Experience supporting an international business
• Experience with complex commercial transactions
• Experience advising HR on employment issues
• Experience managing a team
• Strong corporate legal and business acumen
• Pragmatic, business-focused attorney who understands business goals and commercial realities to effectively manage legal related risks
• Superior intellect
• Unquestioned integrity, credibility and judgment
• Outstanding leadership and interpersonal skills. Strong people manager that motivates and leads the team.
• A proactive, roll up the sleeves approach
• A team player who can drive collaboration
• A creative and strategic thinker
• Gravitas; able to establish rapport quickly with the executive team and Board of Directors
• Engaging and interested in being deeply involved with the business
• Willing and able to listen to others
• Drives change and builds efficiencies within a legal department and other company functions
• High level of energy, drive and urgency
• Experience managing an internal legal team as well as outside counsel
• Transparent style of communication and operation
• A humble, team-player that is less concerned about prestige of position but instead primarily focused on our mission and team.
  

Why This Is A Great Opportunity

• For someone who likes to grow and build, this represents the best of both worlds: the chance to join a new and entrepreneurial business venture, with the revenues, track record, and customer relationships of an established company
• Covetrus has recently made several high-profile hires and is building a world-class team
• The GC will have the chance to work on a broad and interesting variety of matters
• The CEO wants a true “consigliere” with the gravitas and experience to interface effectively with the Board and rest of the executive team
• The GC will have a chance to manage a large team, as well as shape the legal function/legal processes to support the needs of the business
• This is a great time to join a fast paced Company that is undergoing exciting transformation and is positioned for success
• Boulder, CO is a great place to live and work
  

Covetrus is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Additional Requirements: Must be fully vaccinated and remain fully vaccinated against COVID-19.*

• Per the CDC, fully vaccinated means at least 2 weeks after (1) a second dose in a 2-dose series, or (2) a single-dose vaccine, and this status and definition applies to COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for emergency use or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.