General Counsel

Foodtastic; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic and rapidly growing restaurant company as a General Counsel in Mississauga. In this pivotal role, you will lead the legal team and serve as the principal legal advisor, overseeing all legal matters including corporate, franchise, and M&A law. You will develop legal strategies to support business objectives, ensure compliance with various laws, and mentor a talented team of lawyers. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a thriving organization known for its diverse portfolio of brands. If you are a strategic thinker with a strong legal background and a passion for the restaurant industry, this role is for you!

Benefits

Market Related Compensation

Complimentary Coffee, Drinks and Snacks

Free Parking

Summer Fridays

1 Hour Paid Lunch

Virtual Health Care

Company Social Events

Group Insurance Plan (Health, Dental, Disability)

Qualifications

• 10+ years of legal experience, preferably in corporate, franchise, or M&A law.
• Membership in good standing with a Canadian provincial bar.

Responsibilities

• Lead legal strategies to support business objectives and mitigate risks.
• Oversee corporate and franchise law matters, including M&A transactions.

Skills

Negotiation

Risk Assessment

Dispute Resolution

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder Management

Education

Law Degree

Job description

About us:

Founded in 2016, Foodtastic is already one of the largest restaurant companies in Canada. We have increased system sales in the last five years from less than $50mm to over $1B. Our current portfolio of 27 brands includes Milestones Grill & Bar, Second Cup Café, Pita Pit, Quesada, La Belle et La Boeuf, and Rôtisseries Benny.

We are passionate about building our franchisee partnerships and providing our guests with a memorable dining experience. Our growth would not be possible without our people's creativity, dedication, and entrepreneurship. We continue to build the team and always look for exceptional candidates to join Foodtastic.

General Counsel – On-Site: Mississauga, ON

Role Overview

As General Counsel, you will serve as the leader of the legal team and principal legal advisor to the company. The General Counsel is responsible for all legal matters, which includes all corporate and commercial matters (with an emphasis on M&A and Franchise law) as well as overseeing litigation matters regulatory compliance, and risk management. As head of the legal department, you are expected to mentor and develop and coach the lawyers on your team and to ensure the efficiency of the legal function. You will be a strategic partner to the business and be relied upon to provide strategic legal advise to the executive and senior leadership team.

Responsibilities

Legal Strategy & Compliance

• Develop and implement legal strategies to support Foodtastic’s business objectives and mitigate risks.
• Ensure compliance with franchise, corporate, employment, and intellectual property laws.
• Stay updated on changes in legislation affecting the restaurant, franchising, and hospitality industries, and proactively advise leadership.
• Oversee the development of internal legal policies to ensure company-wide compliance.

Corporate & Franchise Law

• Manage franchise disclosure documents and ensure regulatory compliance with provincial laws.
• Support franchising growth strategies by assessing legal risks related thereto;
• Manage franchise disputes, compliance, terminations, and enforcement of contractual rights.
• Oversee the legal review of franchise agreements, commercial contracts, vendor agreements, and leases.

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)

• Lead legal due diligence for acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures.
• Structure, negotiate, and close M&A transactions in alignment with Foodtastic’s corporate strategy.
• Collaborate with external legal counsel to ensure transactions are executed efficiently.

Litigation & Risk Management

• Manage legal disputes, litigation, and arbitration, working closely with external counsel as necessary.
• Develop and oversee risk management policies to minimize legal liabilities.

Employment & Regulatory Matters

• Advise HR on employment law matters, including workplace policies, terminations, and labor relations.
• Ensure compliance with employment standards, occupational health & safety regulations, and privacy laws.
• Provide legal guidance on executive compensation, equity plans, and employment agreements.

Leadership

• Lead and manage the legal function, working with external counsel as needed.
• Coach, mentor and develop the members of the legal team.
• Must be highly collaborative with internal teams to support and enable the goals of the business.
• Act as the primary liaison with external counsel .
• Provide training and legal education to internal teams on key legal topics.

Qualifications & Experience

• Law degree and membership in good standing with a Canadian provincial bar.
• 10+ years of legal experience, preferably in corporate, franchise, or M&A law.
• Experience as General Counsel or in a senior legal role within a franchise, retail, QSR, or multi-unit business is preferred.
• Strong negotiation, risk assessment, and dispute resolution skills.
• Expertise in franchise law, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and employment law.
• Proven ability to manage M&A transactions and legal due diligence.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Proven track record in leading a team
• Perfectly bilingual (French and English)

Company benefits:

· Market related compensation

· Complimentary coffee, drinks and snacks at the office

· Free parking at the office

· Summer Fridays

· 1 hour lunch paid

· Virtual health care

· Company social events

· Group insurance plan, including health, dental and long-term disability.