Senior Counsel, Commercial Contracts

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in Toronto seeks a Senior Counsel, Commercial Contracts to lead drafting and negotiation of technology, outsourcing, data and IP agreements. You will provide risk-based legal guidance to enable business objectives and collaborate with internal teams and outside counsel.

This role requires Ontario Bar admission with 7+ years in corporate contracting, strong negotiation and banking experience.

Qualifications

• Lead drafting and negotiation of technology, outsourcing and other commercial agreements.
• Provide risk-based legal guidance to support business objectives.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and outside counsel on complex matters.
• Experience in financial institutions is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal support to Global Technology, Data & AI and Procurement teams.
• Lead the drafting and negotiation of significant commercial agreements.
• Offer practical advice to address technology, data, licensing and cloud matters.
• Supervise external counsel and coordinate cross‑functional legal work.

Skills

Contract Negotiations

Commercial Agreements

Legal Consulting

Strategic Advice

Outside Counsel Management

People Management

Decision Making

Communication

Litigation

Business Contracts

Business Transactions

Legal Issues

Legal Practices

Critical Thinking

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. #LI-TA

What CIBC Offers

• 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.

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

About us

At CIBC, we are in business to help our clients, employees and shareholders achieve what is important to them. Our ability to create value for all CIBC stakeholders is driven by a business culture based on common values: Trust, Teamwork and Accountability. Working with CIBC makes you a part of a work environment committed to our clients, employees and communities – a place where you can excel. Every day, our 48,000 employees help our clients achieve their financial goals, because what matters to our clients, matters to us.