Senior Legal Counsel

Location: This role which requires at least 3 days on-site at our office in Burnaby and up to 2 days remote per week.

Salary: $140,000 - $170,000

Actual compensation within the range will be based on experience. We also offer quarterly variable compensation package (bonus) + benefits

About Specsavers

Welcome to Specsavers - where we're not just about eyewear and eyecare, we're a purpose-driven organization committed to changing lives through better sight. Ranked as the 11th Best Workplace™ in Canada and 16th Best Workplace™ in the world by Great Place to Work®, we take pride in our optometrist-owned business model, providing quality eyecare and affordable eyewear to Canadians across the country.

Our journey began 40 years ago in the UK, with visionary optometrists Doug and Mary Perkins. Today, we support over 2,700 healthcare businesses, passionately caring for more than 44 million patients and customers worldwide.

At Specsavers, we believe that access to quality eyecare should be a right, not a luxury. That's why we go above and beyond to transform the eyecare experience in Canada. With our advanced clinical equipment and an extensive range of affordable and high-quality eyewear, we're here to make a real difference in the lives of our customers.

But that’s not all - we're also dedicated to fostering a positive, inclusive and supportive work culture. We strive to create an environment where our partners thrive while benefiting from the collective support and resources of our dedicated teams.

If you're passionate about making a difference, providing incredible care, and being part of a values and purpose-driven organization, join us on our journey to revolutionize the way Canadians experience eyecare. Together, we can change lives through better sight.

Main Purpose of the Team

To support the growth of the Specsavers business in the Canadian retail optical and optometry market, providing commercial and legal infrastructure and guidance for the growth and sustainability of the Specsavers model in Canada.

Main Purpose of the role

• Work collaboratively with and support team members across the Legal Team business, as necessary, on all matters having legal implications for Specsavers in Canada
• This role is best suited for a hands-on lawyer with a broad legal background who thrives in a start-up company atmosphere
• This role involves providing advice and support with commercial contracts, mergers & acquisitions, corporate partnerships, governance, data protection and privacy issues and such other advice on the broader business on an as needed basis
• This role will report to the Legal & Risk Director

Key Responsibilities

 Support with providing legal advice on a broad range of legal matters relevant to the business, with a particular focus on commercial contracts, franchising and joint venture agreements, mergers & acquisitions, corporate partnerships, governance, data protection and privacy issues

• Management of day-to-day requests for engagement with third party vendors/suppliers (drafting NDAs. supporting with RFPs, RFls and DPIAs, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts etc)
• Support key commercial projects and business initiatives as directed by the Legal Team, the broader business and/or Senior Leadership
• Develop and revise legal documents, templates, policies and procedures used by the Legal Team and/or Specsavers as required
• Involvement in continuous improvement processes and championing good governance and ethics
• Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with Specsavers external legal providers. other members of the Legal and Risk Team and key business stakeholders including colleagues in other Specsavers regions
• Support drafting and provision of legal training to the Specsavers business as necessary
• Provide timely administration of legal matters including follow-up where required
• Create open communication with key stakeholders to inform and update, building trust and respect by creating strong relationships that allow for healthy debate and influential discussion
• Other duties as may be required from time to time

Key Skills, Ability and/or Experience

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD)
• Qualified lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia
• Excellent legal drafting and research skills, attention to detail and awareness of key impacts of local laws and professional regulation
• Outstanding and highly motivated lawyer with strong academic credentials and at least 5 years broad ranging corporate/commercial legal experience gained in either a top legal firm or in-house environment
• Negotiates and drafts contracts with a commercial, result orientated focus
• Previous experience with data protection and privacy issues a welcome asset
• Personnel management skills with the ability to assist with team management and administration
• Manages transactional work with a practical and pragmatic approach
• Clearly communicates complex legal issues to a non-legal audience
• Manages a high workload requiring effective time management and clear priorities
• Understands the retail environment and Provincial nuances thereof
• Ability to influence key stakeholders and support change

Our Fellow ‘Speccies’ Enjoy

• Generous vacation allotment and 1 paid volunteer day
• 1 extra paid day off and an eyecare voucher on your birthday
• RRSP matching
• Quarterly performance bonus
• Healthcare spending account
• Health and dental benefits effective on your first day
• Team and company social events

Behaviours We Value

• Collaborative: We work together as one Specsavers to deliver our purpose
• Curious: We question, explore, and seek out diverse perspectives to develop our knowledge and understanding
• Courageous: We challenge the status quo, we experiment with good ideas, and we are brave, bold, and fast in our decision making
• Compassionate: We care, support, and help each other
• Commercial: We treat money wisely and make decisions that are good for our customers, our partners, our people, and good for the long term

We hope that in applying with us, you value these things as well!

Our Hybrid Work Model

Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in office, three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Specsavers, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe that a diverse team enriches our work environment and enables us to achieve our goals. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. If you believe you can contribute to our mission and vision, we welcome your application, even if you don't meet every qualification listed. We value the unique skills and perspectives each individual brings to our team.

Accessibility and Accommodations

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know. We will work with you to meet your needs and ensure a fair and equitable experience.