Director, Legal Affairs, Specialized Financing

ZSA Legal Recruitment; Montreal; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Canada is seeking a Director for its Legal Affairs team in Montreal or Toronto. The ideal candidate will lead a team of Legal Counsels, oversee complex financial transactions, and ensure compliance with regulations. Strong team management and bilingual skills are required. Join a prestigious organization recognized among Canada's top employers for diversity.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to deliver innovative solutions in financial services.
• Experience in mentoring and overseeing legal counsel teams.
• Strong negotiation skills for agreements and partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Legal Affairs team and mentor experienced Legal Counsels.
• Oversee complex financial transactions and ensure compliance.
• Support strategic initiatives and contribute to best practices.

Skills

Financial services experience

Team management skills

Bilingual (English and French)

Ability to tackle complex matters

Education

Membership in Quebec Bar or another Canadian provincial bar

Job description

10 years + | Montreal or Toronto

Our client, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), is the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs. With over 100,000 clients nationwide and 2,900 employees, BDC is a Crown corporation that operates independently of its sole shareholder, the Government of Canada. BDC is recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and is consistently ranked among the country’s best employers for diversity.

To continue supporting Canadian entrepreneurs, BDC is looking to add a Director to its Legal Affairs team.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice-President, Legal Services – Investments and Specialized Financing, you will lead, mentor, and oversee the professional development of a team of experienced Legal Counsels. You will provide expert legal advice and oversee complex financial transactions, including securitizations, syndicated financings, and special projects, while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations. You will also support strategic initiatives, negotiate agreements—including key partnerships—advise business lines on legislative and regulatory changes, and contribute to process improvements and best practices in specialized financing.

We are looking for someone with experience in financial services and a proven ability to tackle complex matters by delivering innovative and thoughtful solutions. If you are bilingual, a member of the Quebec Bar or another Canadian provincial bar, and possess strong team management and leadership skills, you may be the candidate we are seeking! Ref.: #33982

This is an exclusive search with ZSA. All CVs sent and contacts made directly to BDC will be redirected to ZSA for review.