Senior Counsel, Procurement Law

ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13 Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
•    Works on complex procurement matters and reviews, drafts, negotiates and advises on contracts, and other documents, to support the Region's interests in the strategic planning and delivery of Regional services and infrastructure, including complex procurement.
•    Provides sound-legal advice to Regional departments, corporations, related entities and the Police Services Board on a variety of corporate/commercial, public procurement and municipal law matters.
•    Represents the Region, boards and corporations, in negotiations and dispute resolution.
•    Prepares Committee and Council Reports and by-laws and proactively advises Senior Management on the legal implications of departmental initiatives.
•    Provides legal advice to staff regarding public procurements and reviews and drafts a variety of procurement documents. 
•    Supervises, recruits, hires, assigns work, conducts performance appraisals and determines the training and development needs of the lawyers, law clerks and support staff within the practice team.  
•    Retains and instructs external counsel, consultants and other professional advisors.
•    Manages relationships with external stakeholders, Regional and local municipal Councils, municipal staff, external government and non-governmental agencies, and the communities served. 
•    Maintains current knowledge of developments in law and their application to Regional responsibilities.
•    Performs other duties as assigned to meet Department and Regional objectives.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
•    Successful completion of a University Degree in Law (L.L.B.) or Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.).
•    Membership in good standing as a Lawyer in the Law Society of Ontario.
•    Minimum of ten (10) years experience providing a broad range of legal services in the area of Corporate Law or Commercial Law with experience in public procurement law and municipal law being an asset. 
•    Expert knowledge of legislation, guidelines, procedures, standards applicable to the practice area and an understanding of the Regional governmental structure.
•    Knowledge of current developments in the law and their application to Regional responsibilities, with a particular expertise in procurement law, corporate/commercial law, construction law, or municipal law.
•    Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer service, communication, teamwork, initiative/self-management, leadership/management, accountability, and flexibility/self-management.
•    Management competencies including results/achievement focus, human resources management, leadership, financial management, business planning, decision making/judgement, representation and professionalism and job knowledge.
•    Excellent communication, drafting, analytical, decision making and problem-solving skills. 
•    Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in strategic planning, change management design, process and implementation strategies to optimize both quality and cost-effectiveness of delivery of its areas of business.
•    Ability to multi-task and balance competing priorities. 

Please apply online by 5:00PM EST of the closing date indicated above. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted via email.