Senior Counsel, Commercial Contracts

CIBC; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Incentive pay

Banking benefits

Defined benefit pension plan

Employee share purchase plan

Wellbeing support

MomentMakers recognition program

Job summary

CIBC is seeking a Senior Counsel, Commercial Contracts, to provide strategic legal support to Global Technology, Data & Artificial Intelligence and Procurement teams. You will lead negotiation and drafting of major commercial agreements while advising on technology, outsourcing, procurement, data and IP matters.

You will collaborate with internal stakeholders and outside counsel to deliver practical, risk-based guidance that supports business objectives, balancing legal risk with strategy.

Qualifications

• Called to the Bar in Ontario and in good standing (7+ years).
• Strong analytical ability with clear, meaningful communication of complex issues.
• Owner mindset; empowered to take initiative and deliver results.
• Experience in corporate commercial contract drafting and negotiation; banking exposure is a plus.
• Experience with outsourcing, technology/data licensing, procurement, and cloud agreements is required; strong negotiation/drafting skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal guidance on technology, outsourcing, procurement, data, AI, and IP matters.
• Lead drafting and negotiation of significant technology and commercial agreements with business priorities in mind.
• Oversee external counsel when needed and ensure cost-effective, timely advice.

Skills

Business Contracts

Business Transactions

Commercial Agreements

Communication

Contract Negotiations

Critical Thinking

Decision Making

Legal Consulting

Legal Issues

Legal Practices

Litigation

Outside Counsel Management

People Management

Strategic Advice

Job description

We’re building a relationship-oriented bank for the modern world. We need talented, passionate professionals who are dedicated to doing what’s right for our clients.

At CIBC, we embrace your strengths and your ambitions, so you are empowered at work. Our team members have what they need to make a meaningful impact and are truly valued for who they are and what they contribute.

To learn more about CIBC, please visit CIBC.com

What You’ll Be Doing

As part of CIBC’s Legal team, you’ll provide strategic legal support to our Global Technology, Data & Artificial Intelligence and Procurement teams, as well as other areas of the bank as needed. As Senior Counsel, Commercial Contracts, you’ll advise on a broad range of matters related to technology, outsourcing, procurement, data, artificial intelligence, intellectual property, and commercial contracting. You’ll help business partners navigate complex legal and regulatory considerations while protecting the bank’s interests and enabling business objectives. You’ll also lead the negotiation and drafting of significant commercial agreements and provide practical, risk-based advice to support informed decision‑making. In this role, you’ll collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and outside counsel to deliver clear, timely, and business‑focused legal support.

At CIBC we enable the work environment most optimal for you to thrive in your role. Details on your work arrangement (proportion of on‑site and remote work) will be discussed at the time of your interview

How You’ll Succeed

• Provide legal advice - Deliver legal guidance and support on matters related to technology, outsourcing, procurement, commercial contracting, data, artificial intelligence, and intellectual property. Offer strategic, practical advice to address complex issues, manage risk, and protect the bank’s interests.
• Negotiate complex transactions - Lead the drafting and negotiation of significant and complex technology, outsourcing, and other commercial agreements with a focus on balancing legal risk and business priorities.
• Manage external legal support - Partner with and oversee outside counsel when needed, ensuring advice is aligned, cost‑effective, and responsive to business needs.

Who You Are

• You’re a certified professional. You have been called to the Bar in Ontario for at least 7+ years and are in good standing.
• You give meaning to data. You enjoy investigating complex problems and making sense of information. You communicate detailed information clearly and in a meaningful way.
• You act like an owner. You thrive when you're empowered to take initiative, go above and beyond, and deliver results.
• You look beyond the moment. You know what you do will make a difference today and tomorrow. You look for new opportunities to define what's possible.
• You can demonstrate experience in corporate commercial contract drafting and negotiation gained through a leading law firm or major corporation. It’s an asset if you have experience working within a financial institution.
• Experience in material business process and information technology outsourcing arrangements, technology and data licensing, procurement, and cloud agreements is mandatory. Excellent negotiating and drafting skills and experience are required. Strong communication skills will be needed to succeed in this role. The ability to supervise and direct external counsel is an asset.
• Values matter to you. You bring your real self to work, and you live our values - trust, teamwork, and accountability.

What CIBC Offers

At CIBC, your goals are a priority. We start with your strengths and ambitions as an employee and strive to create opportunities to tap into your potential. We aspire to give you a career, rather than just a paycheck.

• We work to recognize you in meaningful, personalized ways including a competitive salary, incentive pay, banking benefits, a benefits program*, defined benefit pension plan*, an employee share purchase plan, a vacation offering, wellbeing support, and MomentMakers, our social, points‑based recognition program.
• Our spaces and technological toolkit will make it simple to bring together great minds to create innovative solutions that make a difference for our clients.
• We cultivate a culture where you can express your ambition through initiatives like Purpose Day; a paid day off dedicated for you to use to invest in your growth and development.
• Subject to plan and program terms and conditions

What You Need To Know

• CIBC is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all team members and clients feel like they belong. We seek applicants with a wide range of abilities and we provide an accessible candidate experience. If you need accommodation, please contact [e-mail]
• CIBC is committed to clarity in our hiring process. All roles posted are opportunities we’re actively recruiting for, unless stated otherwise.
• You need to be legally eligible to work at the location(s) specified above and, where applicable, must have a valid work or study permit.
• We may ask you to complete an attribute‑based assessment and other skills test (such as simulation, coding, French proficiency).
• We use artificial intelligence tools during the recruitment process. Our goal for the application process is to get to know more about you, all that you have to offer, and give you the opportunity to learn more about us.

Job Location

Toronto-81 Bay, 20th Floor

Employment Type

Regular

Weekly Hours

37.5

Skills

Business Contracts, Business Transactions, Commercial Agreements, Communication, Contract Negotiations, Critical Thinking, Decision Making, Legal Consulting, Legal Issues, Legal Practices, Litigation, Outside Counsel Management, People Management, Strategic Advice