About us:
Vast-Auto Distribution, a subsidiary of O’Reilly Automotive Inc., is a leader in auto parts distribution and retail across Eastern Canada. It is part of O’Reilly Auto Parts that operates more than 6,000 stores, with more than 92,000 team members across the USA, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Canada under the Parts City Auto Parts and O’Reilly Auto Parts banners.

How you make an impact

The Assistant General Counsel & Legal Manager-Canada will serve as the leader of the legal team in Canada, reporting to the General Counsel & SVP Legal in the U.S. This team member will be the primary legal advisor for the Company’s Canadian operations, providing practical and timely counsel regarding all legal topics related to business in Canada including compliance with applicable laws and regulations in all provinces in which the Company operates, contractual relationships with suppliers and vendors, labor and employment matters, real estate contracts and leases, corporate governance matters, and overall recognition and mitigation of legal risk while enabling business objectives.

• Provide legal opinions, advice, and recommendations to various business units on any legal matter which affects or involves the Company in Canada (both civil and common law), including matters in Quebec, Ontario, and the Atlantic provinces.
• Review, negotiate and draft, as necessary, a wide range of commercial agreements for Canadian operations, including master service agreements, statements of work, and other vendor contracts and supplier agreements, NDAs, and real estate leases and purchase contracts.
• Support M&A transactions and related matters.
• Engage outside counsel, as appropriate, and manage the work of outside counsel on both transactional and litigation matters.
• Oversee the handling of litigation in which the Company is a party, including working with outside counsel on strategy.
• Provide legal advice and support on Canadian labor and employment matters, including hiring practices, terminations, workplace policies, accommodations, investigations, and employment standards compliance, and collaborate with HR and senior management on internal investigations and dispute resolutions.
• Oversee corporate governance matters and related compliance in Canada.
• Provide advice and counsel on legislative and regulatory developments which impact the business, including working with appropriate stakeholders within the business to develop a compliance plan.
• Collaborate with business units to develop and execute compliance-related policies and procedures.
• Provide training and guidance to internal business stakeholders on key topics, including legal risks, contract practices and management, real estate contract and lease negotiations, compliance, and employment law.
• Work collaboratively with the General Counsel & Senior Vice President Legal and President – Canada to develop the legal function in Canada, including recruit, coach, mentor, evaluate and develop members of legal team in Canada.
• Ensure coordination with U.S. Corporate legal department on cross-border matters and corporate governance.

Qualifications we look for

• Member of the Barreau du Quebec (required) and the Law Society of Ontario (preferred)
• 8+ years of relevant legal experience (law firm, in-house, or a combination thereof)
• Bilingual in French and English (verbal and written)
• Experience drafting and negotiating real estate purchase contracts and leases
• M&A experience
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to synthesize and present issues and recommendations with clarity to senior management
• Excellent judgment and a solutions-oriented mindset
• Experience leading and developing a team
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work both independently and as a part of a team
• A commitment to understand and embody the Company culture values in all aspects of the work and in dealings with team members and all outside parties.

Preferred Attributes :

• Familiarity with retail and distribution operations and associated legal issues
• Familiarity with privacy laws and regulations
• Experience in labor and employment law

This job description indicates the general duties performed by team members with this designation. It should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and physical requirements required of a team member assigned to this job, as these may vary from one work location to another work location.

What Sets Us Apart

Grow and succeed in a value-driven workplace that supports your professional development, all within the stability of a Fortune 300 organization.

Exposure to best practices and tools across a large North American organization, opening doors to diverse career pathways.

Career growth opportunities through our Promote from Within philosophy.

Competitive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance, RRSP, and additional employee benefits.

Commitment to inclusion: We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We value different perspectives and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Commitment to our customers and team members: We are enthusiastic, hardworking professionals dedicated to teamwork, safety and wellness, and delivering excellent customer service. We lead with respect, honesty, and a win-win attitude while maintaining strong expense discipline.

If you are excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to submit your resume. If your application is selected, we will contact you to schedule an interview.

Note: Vast-Auto Distribution does not use AI for job screening purposes