Chief Legal Officer in Canada
**This opportunity has been filled and is now closed. Please visit our job board to view our current opportunities.**
Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) is a high-performing investment manager that finds the best opportunities from around the world and delivers results.
AIMCo is among Canada’s largest and most diversified institutional investment managers with $158 billion of assets under management. AIMCo invests globally on behalf of 17 pension, endowment and government fund clients in the Province of Alberta. AIMCo manages more than 30 pools of capital on behalf of these clients. With offices in Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, London, and Luxembourg, AIMCo’s more than 200 investment professionals bring deep expertise in a range of sectors, geographies and industries.
Reporting directly into the CEO, this is an incredible opportunity for a talented senior lawyer to be a key advisor to the executive and lead change with one of Canada’s preeminent investment managers.
Job Description – Chief Legal Officer
Reporting to the CEO, the General Counsel and Corporate Secretariat is pivotal in ensuring legal compliance, managing corporate governance, mitigating legal risks, and providing strategic legal advice to AIMCo’s leadership. The role requires a combination of leadership, strategic vision, high self-motivation, a willingness to dive into technical details, and creativity in a fast-paced, collaborative, and disruptive environment.
The Chief Legal Officer will have extensive interaction with key stakeholders both internal and external including Operations, Finance, Human Resources, Sales, and other teams enhancing and scaling AIMCo’s vision.
The location of the role is open with preference to candidates based near AIMCo office locations (Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto).
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities
- Develop and implement the legal strategy for the organization, ensuring alignment with the overall business objectives. Provide legal advice and guidance to senior leadership and the Board of Directors on a broad range of legal matters, including corporate governance, compliance, and regulatory issues.
- Oversee and manage all aspects of corporate governance for the organization. This includes oversight of board and committee meetings, preparing meeting agendas and materials, drafting board resolutions, and ensuring compliance with corporate governance requirements and best practices.
- Develop and implement comprehensive compliance programs to ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards. Monitor changes in regulatory requirements and update internal policies accordingly. Conduct compliance training for employees and promote a culture of ethics and compliance within AIMCo.
- Stay up to date with relevant laws and regulations that impact AIMCo’s operations. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements imposed by authorities such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), or other regulatory bodies specific to the organization’s industry.
- Oversee the negotiation, drafting, and review of contracts, agreements, and legal documents for the organization. This includes client agreements, vendor contracts, and other legal arrangements to protect the organization’s interests and mitigate legal risks.
- Manage elements of tax oversight, such as tax compliance, tax strategies for optimization, and tax risks.
- Establish processes and systems to monitor and assess compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Conduct internal audits and reviews to identify areas of non-compliance and implement corrective actions as necessary.
- Ensure compliance with data privacy laws and regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or other applicable data protection laws. Develop and implement data protection policies, procedures, and training programs to safeguard personal and sensitive data.
- Oversee and manage the corporate secretariat function, including maintaining corporate records, filing necessary reports with regulatory authorities, and ensuring compliance with statutory and legal requirements pertaining to the organization’s legal entities.
- Manage legal disputes and litigation involving the organization. Coordinate with external legal counsel, assess legal claims, and formulate legal strategies to protect the organization’s interests. Ensure effective communication and reporting on litigation matters to senior leadership and the Board of Directors.
- Foster and maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders, such as regulatory authorities, legal advisors, industry associations, and other relevant entities. Stay informed about legal developments, industry trends, and best practices to keep the organization at the forefront of legal and regulatory compliance.
- Lead a team of legal professionals and compliance officers, providing guidance, mentoring, and performance management. Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that promotes professional growth and development.
- Manage Privacy Officer responsibilities.
Education and Professional Skills/Knowledge
- LL.B. or J.D. degree (or equivalent).
- Good standing with a Canadian Law Society.
- Minimum 15 years of experience in corporate commercial law from a top tier firm or company.
- A financial degree and/or designation as well as experience in the securities industry is preferred but not required.
- Proven track record of developing and implementing long-term strategic plans. Must be adept at analyzing market trends, identifying opportunities, and devising strategies that align with the organization’s strengths and goals.
- Develop a deep understanding of the organization’s strategy goals and objectives, including emerging initiatives and risks.
- Strong analytical abilities are essential to make informed decisions based on data, market insights, and industry trends.
- Skilled in change management techniques to guide the company through transitions successfully.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to develop and maintain internal and external client relationships.
- Entrepreneurial outlook, strong business acumen, and sound judgement and diplomacy.
- Ability to manage teams and work as a partner with functional line groups.
- Experience in a highly regulated environment is preferred.
This is an exclusive search.
The Counsel Network – a Caldwell company is committed to building a diverse legal community through our inclusive business and recruitment practices. We value diversity of experience, expertise, and background, and strive to eliminate barriers historically encountered by marginalized groups. We recognize that an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce benefits and enriches both the legal profession and the greater community.
For more information or to apply for this position, contact:
OR
416.364.6654 / 604.643.1708
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