Legal Counsel, Senior Manager Contracts

Job summary

The Senior Manager, Contracts will lead the supplier-contracting function, overseeing the structuring, drafting, and negotiation of complex commercial agreements. They will also mentor legal staff and partner with cross-functional teams to ensure legal alignment with business and operational priorities.

Job details

It’s not a package. It’s a promise®. As Canada’s leading integrated freight, package, and logistics provider, we’ve been helping promises get where they need to be for more than 60 years. How does the magic happen? The journey starts with you. The places we go, the elements we brave, the promises we deliver – it’s all possible because of our people. So, whether you’re looking to build new skills, make an impact in your community, or inspire your team, we go there for you. Description Purolator's legal team is seeking an experienced, business‑minded commercial lawyer for a leadership role as Senior Manager, Contracts, responsible for leading the supplier-contracting function supporting network, operations and enterprise-infrastructure.This role sits at the intersection of Operations, Network, IT, and Legal, focusing on commercial arrangements across Purolator’s transportation providers, facilities and real estate, material handling equipment, and core business systems. The successful candidate will act as both a hands‑on commercial lawyer and people leader, leading complex matters directly while managing team delivery and advancing the effectiveness of the buy‑side contracting function in line with business and Legal priorities.Responsibilities Lead the structuring, drafting, negotiation, and execution of complex buy‑side commercial agreements, including transportation services, technology, equipment, and infrastructure arrangements. Provide pragmatic, business‑focused legal advice that balances legal, operational, and financial considerations. Lead the intake, prioritization and delivery of buy‑side commercial legal work. Partner with business units, including Operations, IT, and Procurement to support supplier and infrastructure initiatives. Engage early in business initiatives to shape commercial approaches and ensure Legal is embedded proactively and effectively. Maintain clear ownership of legal judgment, contract structure, and risk positions. Lead, mentor, and develop legal professionals; allocate work based on complexity, risk and priorities. Provide coaching and guidance to build capability, judgment and consistency. Advance clear expectations and ensure accountability Identify and advance targeted improvements to contracting processes, templates, and playbooks and support the implementation of enhanced ways of working across the buy‑side contracting function. Contribute to broader Legal initiatives focused on improving visibility, planning, and alignment with the business. Education LL.B. or J.D. and membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario. Experience 7+ years of post‑call experience in commercial and corporate law. Demonstrated experience supporting complex supplier, infrastructure or operational commercial arrangements. Experience in transportation, logistics, supply chain, technology is strongly preferred. Demonstrated ability to lead complex matters independently in fast‑paced environments. Experience mentoring, coaching, and coordinating others’ work. Strong commercial acumen and ability to partner with cross‑functional stakeholders. Leadership and Operating Profile Strong commercial judgment and business orientation Leadership through influence across functions. Clear ownership mindset for both workstream delivery and individual matters. Ability to operate effectively in complex, evolving environments. Proactive, practical approach to continuous improvement. Language Requirement: Proficiency in English is required for this position due to the frequent communications that must be conducted in English with various stakeholders. This requirement is justified by the nature of the responsibilities and operational needs. POSTING DETAILSLocation: 530 - Corporate Working Conditions: Office Environment Reports to: Director Commercial Contracts --- Purolator is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome all qualified applicants and provide accommodations during the recruitment process upon request. Purolator complies with Canadian law in all recruitment practices. During pre-screening, we may use an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool, supported by human oversight, to efficiently manage tasks such as resume screening and candidate matching, enabling our team to connect with qualified candidates faster. Personal information is used solely for recruitment and managed in accordance with privacy legislation. For AI-related inquiries only, contact TalentCOE@purolator.com. To apply, visit our Careers Page. We recognize that employees and their families are essential to our success. We strive to provide a safe, healthy, and supportive workplace, ensuring the right people have the tools they need to thrive. Every day at Purolator is an opportunity to connect with colleagues, customers, and communities to make a positive impact. Learn more about our values at www.purolator.com.

What you’ll do

The Senior Manager, Contracts will lead the supplier-contracting function, overseeing the structuring, drafting, and negotiation of complex commercial agreements. They will also mentor legal staff and partner with cross-functional teams to ensure legal alignment with business and operational priorities.

Requirements

Candidates must hold an LL.B. or J.D. and be in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario. A minimum of 7 years of post-call experience in commercial and corporate law is required, with preference given to those with backgrounds in logistics or transportation.

Listed skills

• Supply Chain · Preferred
• Leadership · Preferred
• Risk Management · Preferred
• Logistics · Preferred
• Project management · Preferred
• Stakeholder Management · Preferred
• Procurement · Preferred
• Contract Negotiation · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Commercial Law
• Contract Negotiation
• Leadership
• Strategic Planning
• Risk Management
• Procurement
• Supply Chain
• Logistics
• Mentoring
• Legal Advice
• Corporate Law
• Stakeholder Management
• Contract Drafting
• Project Management
• Business Acumen
• Material Handling Equipment
• Influencing Skills
• Influencing Without Authority
• Accountability
• Planning
• Artificial Intelligence
• Business Systems
• Communication
• Corporate Laws
• Continuous Improvement Process
• English Language
• Mentorship
• Negotiation
• Operations
• Real Estate
• Coaching
• Resume Screening
• Templates
• Coordinating
• Prioritization

Job areas

• Legal
• Logistics
• Management & Leadership
• Transportation
• Legal Contracts Manager
• Contracts Manager
• Buyers
• Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
• Buyers and Purchasing Agents