Senior Legal Counsel (Corporate/Commercial)

Salary: $161,000 – $175,000

Actual compensation within the range will be based on experience

We also offer a discretionary quarterly compensation package (bonus) and a competitive benefits offering

As we start to bid farewell to some of our secondees who have been instrumental in setting our Canadian business up for success, we’re actively seeking a talented replacement for our Senior Legal Counsel (Corporate/Commercial), ensuring the continuation of robust legal guidance and strategy implementation within our expanding operations.

Main Purpose of the Team

To support the growth of the Specsavers business in the Canadian retail optical and optometry market, providing the commercial and legal infrastructure for the Specsavers partnership business model in Canada.

Main Purpose of the Role

• To provide legal support required for the launch of the Specsavers business in Canada.
• This will involve a combination of providing legal guidance to the Canadian team on the joint venture business model, drafting and updating the suite of templates for the partnership documents (inclusive of franchise agreements, shareholders agreements, license to occupy, contractor agreements, corporate documents and resolutions etc.), negotiating commercial contracts and providing advice to the broader business on an as needed basis.
• This role will report into the Legal & Risk Director

Key Responsibilities

• Create, roll-out and continuously improve and update a comprehensive suite of templates to be used for the Specsavers partnership business model, adapted according to specific requirements per Province and documenting bespoke incentives as required
• In consultation with the Canadian team and Group legal function, agree the appropriate way forward, and embed the infrastructure for company secretarial support to the Canadian business, including the mechanics for the large-scale production and storage of legal contracts
• Provide solution driven, pragmatic advice on legal aspects of the Specsavers brand in Canada
• Guide and support the business through a highly regulated healthcare environment, interacting with the Optometry and Opticianry Boards within the provinces as required
• Manage and liaise relationships with external counsel throughout Canada as needed
• Create open communication with key stakeholders to inform and update, building trust and respect by creating strong relationships that allow for healthy debate and influential discussion.

Key Skills Ability or Experience

• Excellent legal drafting skills bringing together knowledge of the Specsavers business model, attention to detail and awareness of key impacts of local laws and professional regulation
• Outstanding and highly motivated lawyer with strong academic credentials and at least 8-10 years broad ranging corporate/commercial legal experience gained in either a top legal firm or in-house environment.
• Negotiates and drafts contracts with a commercial, result orientated focus
• Personnel management skills with the ability to assist with team management and administration
• Manages transactional work with a practical and pragmatic approach
• Clearly communicates complex legal issues to a non-legal audience
• Manages a high workload requiring effective time management and clear priorities
• Understands the retail environment and international aspects thereof
• Ability to influence key stakeholders and support change

Essential Skills Include:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD)
• Qualified lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia
• Minimum of 8-10 years’ broad ranging corporate/commercial legal experience gained in either a top legal firm or in-house environment.
• Highly communicative, practical and perceptive, with ability to solve problems
• Able to prioritize legal advice and meet deadlines – strong organizational skills
• Self-starter – able to work autonomously with minimal supervision
• Ability to work and communicate with legal and non-legal individuals at all levels
• Computer literate

Desirable Skills Include:

• Experience in Canadian franchising law
• Experience in Canadian marketing & advertising law
• Experience in Canadian privacy law