Assistant General Counsel & Legal Manager (Canada)

About the role

The Assistant General Counsel & Legal Manager for Canada will lead the Canadian legal team and act as the primary legal advisor for all Canadian operations of Vast-Auto Distribution. Reporting to the U.S. General Counsel, this role ensures compliance, mitigates risk, and supports business objectives across provinces.

Key responsibilities

• Provide legal opinions and advice on civil and common law matters affecting the company in Quebec, Ontario, and Atlantic provinces.
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements, vendor contracts, NDAs, and real‑estate leases.
• Support mergers and acquisitions and manage related transactional work.
• Engage and oversee outside counsel for both transactional and litigation matters.
• Handle litigation strategy and coordination with external counsel.
• Advise on Canadian labor and employment issues, including hiring, terminations, policies, accommodations, and investigations.
• Oversee corporate governance and regulatory compliance in Canada.
• Develop and deliver compliance training and guidance to internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to build and mentor the Canadian legal team.

Required profile

• Qualified lawyer with a license to practice in Canada.
• Significant experience in corporate, commercial, employment, and litigation matters.
• Proven ability to manage outside counsel and lead a legal function.
• Strong understanding of Canadian federal and provincial regulations.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally.

Required skills

• Contract drafting and negotiation.
• Mergers & acquisitions support.
• Litigation management.
• Employment law compliance.
• Corporate governance.