Job Title

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Corporate Paralegal & Compliance Lead to act as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the business. This role is responsible for leading enterprise-wide corporate governance, compliance programs, and contract risk management across a growing and complex organization.Operating with a high degree of autonomy and professional judgment, this individual will serve as the primary internal authority on corporate governance processes, ESOP administration, privacy compliance, contract management, and insurance coordination. The incumbent provides proactive guidance to executive leadership, supports Board and Committee governance, and ensures a strong, defensible legal and compliance posture in support of organizational growth.This role acts as the first point of escalation for complex legal, contractual, governance, and compliance matters (prior to engaging external counsel) and plays a key role in evolving and strengthening the organizations legal and compliance operating model.This is a high-impact role for a seasoned professional who thrives in a leadership capacity and enjoys shaping governance and compliance frameworks within a dynamic organization.OBJECTIVETo lead and continuously improve corporate governance, compliance, and contractual risk management practices, ensuring adherence to legislative and regulatory requirements while enabling informed, timely, and defensible business decision-making.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESCorporate Governance & Board SupportLead administration of employee option and share plans, including complex vesting, exercises, redemptions, and reporting implicationsAct as the primary internal expert on ESOP governance, working closely with Finance and ERG on tax treatment, controls, and reportingLead Board and Committee governance processes including agenda development, materials coordination, minutes, resolutions, and action trackingPerform advanced corporate secretary functions under guidance, with a clear succession pathway into a designated Corporate Secretary roleOversee annual filings, corporate registries, subsidiary maintenance, and jurisdictional compliance in coordination with external counselLead or support internal investigations relating to compliance, conduct, or regulatory matters, ensuring appropriate documentation and escalationSupport shareholder communications and regulatory disclosures with a high degree of accuracy, judgment, and confidentialityContract Governance & Commercial Risk ManagementOwn and continuously improve the contract governance framework, including templates, playbooks, approval authorities, and lifecycle controlsLead complex contract drafting, review, negotiation support, and risk assessment for client, contractor, and strategic agreementsAdvise and train project leaders and managers on contract risk, obligations, flow-through conditions, and dispute mitigationOversee tendering and procurement legal support for MSAs and strategic engagementsManage legal and contracts inboxes, exercising judgment on triage, escalation, and prioritizationMaintain enterprise-wide contract registers, renewal controls, obligation tracking, and compliance documentationCollaborate with leadership to strengthen governance related to IP, trademarks, copyright, and confidentialityLegal Advisory & Counsel CoordinationServe as a senior internal legal resource for commercial, governance, and compliance queries prior to escalation to external counselCoordinate with external legal counsel on complex negotiations, disputes, litigation, and regulatory mattersConduct advanced legal and regulatory research and provide executive-level summaries and risk analysisOversee maintenance of minute books, statutory records, and corporate resolutions across entitiesLead operational implementation of privacy compliance programs under applicable legislationMaintain enterprise privacy policies, manage access requests, and proactively identify privacy risks in collaboration with IT and ERGRisk Management, Insurance & Enterprise ComplianceLead coordination of corporate insurance programs including D&O, professional liability, and general liabilityManage renewals, coverage analysis, claims coordination, and broker relationshipsAct as internal lead during insurance events, investigations, and claims, ensuring proper documentation and notificationMaintain insurance schedules, certificates, and claims files with audit-ready rigorSupport enterprise risk assessments related to contracts, governance, privacy, and regulatory exposureEnsure governance and legal compliance during investigations or high-risk eventsKey RelationshipsReports to the VP, Finance & Legal as a key advisor and delegated authority for governance and compliance mattersWorks directly with Executive and Senior Leadership to provide legal, governance, risk, and privacy guidancePartners with Board Members and Committees to support high-quality governance processesWorks closely with Finance, IT, ERG, and Operations to integrate compliance into business practicesManages relationships with external legal counsel, regulators, and insurance brokersAdvises project and operational leaders on risk identification and mitigationCORE COMPETENCIESBusiness Acumen (Advanced Level)Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the operations related to a functional area or a major business or organizational segment. Understands and monitors internal and external developments and develops action plans or responses to ensure the achievement of business or organizational objectives. Works with external stakeholders to influence external factors (e.g., regulatory developments) to advance the agenda of the business or organization.Managing Information (Expert Level)Develops strategies and policies and defines the architecture required for maintaining, sharing and protecting information. Ensures that there are consistent standards in place across the organization to ensure data is compiled, stored, interpreted and protected in a consistent manner. Ensures all compliance requirements with respect to data reporting and record keeping are met. Develops strategies for fostering organizational learning and continuous improvement.Problem Solving (Advanced Level)Resolves complex, sensitive or contentious problems or issues that are typically cross-functional in nature. Applies advanced analytical tools and processes to dissect problems or issues and to identify broader patterns. Demonstrates the ability to think outside established norms or parameters and encourages others to look beyond conventional thinking. Supports others in resolving moderately complex problems or issues. Effectively engages multiple stakeholders in creating solutions and builds consensus when faced with competing agendas or divergent points of view.Strategic Orientation (Advanced Level)Translates business or organizational plans into objectives for a functional area or major business or organizational segment. Identifies the resources required to deliver on objectives and negotiates cross-functionally to secure these resources. Identifies opportunities to support organizational growth and enhance effectiveness. Anticipates challenges and develops contingency plans. Engages in medium-term planning and takes accountability to drive outcomes proactively.Financial Management and Accountability (Advanced Level)Develops business or financial plans and tracks progress against objectives. Identifies risks that could impact financial performance or service delivery and develops mitigation strategies. Understands and applies financial principles and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).Communication (Expert Level)Prepares highly sensitive or high-impact business correspondence for senior internal and external stakeholders. Develops communication that has legal or financial implications and influences organizational perception. Delivers complex information clearly and professionally, ensuring understanding across audiences.QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCEParalegal designation with 1215+ years of senior experience in corporate governance, compliance, and commercial contractingProven experience supporting Boards and complex corporate structuresStrong ability to operate independently and manage high-level legal and compliance mattersExperience with corporate registries, governance systems, and regulatory frameworksExceptional written and verbal communication skillsProfessional designations (e.g., AAPP, Governance Professionals of Canada) considered an assetWORKING CONDITIONSSome local and occasional out-of-town travel may be requiredStandard office environment requiring extended periods of sittingProlonged use of computer systems, including keyboards and screensOccasional requirement to work extended hours to meet business demandsApplicationCandidates are asked to apply via LinkedIn or email their resume in confidence to Shona Tischner at: At Urban Legal Recruitment, we guarantee discretion and confidentiality. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.