Head of Legal

Description
The Head of Legal / Managing Partner will oversee all in‑house legal operations, setting up the legal division and providing strategic legal advice and guidance to ensure compliance and mitigate risks within this Canadian financial services company. This leadership role involves managing legal teams, contracts, and regulatory matters in a fast‑paced, highly regulated environment.

Client Details
The employer is an established Canadian business in the financial services and mortgage lending space, known for quick decision making and executive, and commitment to excellence. The organization is focused on maintaining high standards and ensuring compliance in all aspects of their business as they bring legal in‑house and build out their in‑house legal department.

Responsibilities

Build, lead and manage the in‑house legal department from scratch, ensuring alignment with the company's strategic goals.

Provide expert legal counsel on regulatory, compliance, and contractual matters within the financial services / mortgage lending industry.

Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of legal documents and contracts including lending and underwriting.

Advise senior leadership on legal risks and opportunities for the organization.

Ensure compliance with federal, provincial, and local laws and regulations.

Develop and implement legal strategies that support the company's objectives.

Manage relationships with external legal counsel and other stakeholders.

Oversee the resolution of legal disputes and litigation as necessary.

Qualifications

LLB / JD law degree and qualification to practice in Canada.

Active member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.

Knowledge of financial services / lending / underwriting legal and regulatory requirements.

Experience working with mortgage investment corporations, mortgage brokers, mortgage services and private lenders.

Proven ability to manage legal teams and provide leadership.

Exceptional communication and negotiation skills.

Experience in drafting and reviewing complex contracts and agreements.

A proactive approach to identifying and mitigating legal risks.

Employment Details
Candidates must be based in Canada. The role is remote but candidates must be able to travel/work from the Toronto office once per quarter, and have Canadian work experience and work authorization now / indefinitely.

Page Executive is the specialist search arm to Page Group / Michael Page International, other brands include Michael Page, Page Personnel and Page Outsourcing. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, we have local specialist search consultants in 36 countries worldwide. Founded in 1976, originally focusing on Financial Services, we now recruit across multiple practice groups with legal and professional services search consultants worldwide.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive annual salary ranging from CAD 200,000 to CAD 250,000 (depending on experience).

Fully comprehensive benefits package.

Opportunity to work with a highly successful, growing organization within the financial services industry.

Remote role with opportunity to meet at the Toronto office quarterly, the company encourages collaborative working.

Desired Skills and Experience
Head of Legal / Managing Partner leading the in‑house legal department for a Canadian financial services business.

Page Group USA is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

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