General Counsel & Strategic Advisor

Summit Search Group; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking an experienced General Counsel & Strategic Advisor to support the growth of a client based in Winnipeg. The role involves providing in-house legal expertise, guiding corporate strategy, and driving major investment decisions for a developing Anishinaabe economic corporation. Ideal candidates will have strong skills in corporate law, negotiation, and leadership, along with 7-12 years of relevant experience and a JD/LLB. This position is pivotal for supporting community prosperity and economic sovereignty.

Qualifications

• 7–12+ years of experience in corporate/commercial law, M&A, governance, or related areas.
• Proven experience advising executives or senior leadership.
• Strong understanding of corporate transactions and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-house legal counsel across various matters.
• Lead contract development and negotiation for investments.
• Conduct legal due diligence on prospective investments.
• Build and refine internal processes and governance frameworks.

Skills

Corporate/commercial law

M&A

Governance

Negotiation

Communication

Relationship-building

Education

JD/LLB

Job description

Summit Search Group is seeking an experienced and strategically minded General Counsel & Strategic Advisor to support the growth of our client, Ziibi Anishinaabe Investments Inc. (“Ziibi Investments”). The General Counsel will serve as a key leader in the organization, operating with significant autonomy at the direction of the CEO.

Located in Winnipeg, this pivotal leadership role will provide in-house legal expertise, guide corporate strategy, and drive forward major investment decisions while building out the internal frameworks required by a young and growing Anishinaabe economic development corporation.

About Ziibi Investments:

Ziibi Investments is the business development corporation for Rainy River First Nations, a Treaty 3 Anishinaabe Nation. Ziibi Investments is a dynamic, Nation-owned investment company committed to advancing the long-term prosperity and economic sovereignty of the Nation and its members. Ziibi Investments is developing a broad portfolio of strategic investments grounded in community values and sustainable growth. Strong in-house legal expertise and strategic leadership is critical to the ongoing success and evolution of the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide in-house legal counsel across corporate, commercial, governance, regulatory, and investment matters.
• Lead contract development, review, and negotiation for acquisitions, partnerships, and investment opportunities.
• Conduct legal due diligence on prospective investments and advise on deal structures.
• Identify and drive investment into prospective financial opportunities.
• Implement the vision of the board in collaboration with the CEO and CFO.
• Build and refine internal processes, governance frameworks, and compliance systems.
• Represent the organization in meetings with government partners, investors, and community stakeholders.
• Operate with autonomy—initiating actions, solving problems, and building structure in a growing organization.

Qualifications

• JD/LLB and membership in good standing with a Canadian law society.
• 7–12+ years of experience in corporate/commercial law, M&A, governance, or related practice areas.
• Proven experience advising executives, Boards, or senior leadership.
• Strong understanding of corporate transactions, due diligence, contracts, and risk management.
• Business acumen with the ability to interpret financial information and assess opportunities.
• Experience working with Anishinaabe organizations or economic development groups is an asset.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-evolving, entrepreneurial environment.

Personal Attributes:

• Self-directed, resourceful, and comfortable operating without significant administrative support.
• Strategic thinker with a strong ability to execute and build structure in a growing organization.
• Culturally aware, respectful, and relationship-oriented.
• Calm under pressure; strong judgment and decision-making skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with long-term vision and leadership potential.
• Committed to promoting the Nation’s inherent rights, economic sovereignty, and community prosperity.

Summit Search Group has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion. We strive for continuous development, modeling, inclusive behaviors and proactively managing bias throughout our process.