Head of Legal

Position Overview

The Head of Legal for the Canadian operations will serve as the company’s most senior legal authority in Canada. This role is responsible for all legal, regulatory, compliance, and risk‑management matters across the expanding business footprint in the region.

Based in Toronto, the position reports to the global legal leadership and collaborates closely with business units in China and North America. Fluency in Mandarin Chinese is essential due to frequent interaction with headquarters and cross‑border teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Legal Strategy — Develop and execute the legal strategy for the Canadian operations, ensuring alignment with global objectives.
• Regulatory Compliance — Oversee compliance with Canadian federal and provincial laws, including corporate, commercial, employment, privacy, and industry‑specific regulations.
• Corporate Governance — Establish governance frameworks, policies, and internal controls for Canadian entities.
• Commercial Contracts — Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements, including partnerships, procurement, distribution, and technology contracts.
• Risk Management — Identify legal risks and implement mitigation strategies across business units.
• Cross‑Border Transactions — Support M&A, joint ventures, and strategic initiatives involving China–Canada operations.
• Litigation Oversight — Manage disputes, external counsel, and litigation strategy.
• Stakeholder Engagement — Advise senior executives and collaborate with global legal teams.
• Team Leadership — Build and lead a high‑performing Canadian legal team as the business grows.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) or LLB from an accredited law school; licensed to practice law in Canada.
• 5~8+ years of progressive legal experience, ideally in automotive, mobility, technology, or manufacturing sectors.
• Proven experience supporting multinational corporations and managing cross‑border legal matters.
• Strong command of Canadian corporate, commercial, employment, and regulatory law.
• Fluency in Mandarin Chinese (spoken and written) required.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in fast‑paced, high‑growth environments.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.