Director, Legal Operations & Programs (Term Opportunity - One Year)

Greater Toronto Airports Authority • Toronto, ON

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is seeking a Director, Legal Operations & Programs for a one-year term opportunity. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of the GTAA’s legal function, acting as a trusted advisor to the Chief Legal Officer. The Director will architect and execute a comprehensive legal operations strategy to enhance the department’s efficiency, agility, and alignment with enterprise-wide transformation initiatives. Amidst a period of unprecedented growth and modernization at Toronto Pearson, the Director will lead the evolution of legal services into a proactive, data-informed, and technology-enabled business partner. This includes driving innovation in legal service delivery, optimizing operational processes, and embedding performance metrics that demonstrate value across the organization. The Director will oversee a diverse portfolio including legal operations, policy management, regulatory compliance, and the Pearson Standard program, ensuring strategic integration, good governance, and continuous improvement. This role emphasizes collaboration, change leadership, and enterprise alignment to ensure legal programs support compliance, risk mitigation, and contribute meaningfully to the GTAA’s strategic goals.

Requirements

• 8+ years of relevant combination of strategy, operations, and technology experience, ideally building a legal operations function in-house.
• Deep working knowledge and hands-on experience with technology, including using and exploring different technologies.
• Proven success leading change management, implementing legal technology, and improving legal function maturity through data-driven legal insights.
• Direct experience managing and implementing matter management, contract management, and knowledge management technology.
• A natural problem solver and strategic thinker who is comfortable in a fast-paced high-growth environment.
• Ability to think strategically to identify issues and develop long-term solutions.
• Ability to work independently and as the leader of a team, to meet deadlines, and adapt to the shifting demands of the business.
• Analytical, creative, problem solving and entrepreneurial personality.
• Highly skilled in communication, change management, negotiation, and project management.
• Consensus building and diplomacy skills to gain support.
• Ability to engage in effective stakeholder consultations with the ability to translate legal operations into business value.
• Ability to obtain and retain a Transportation Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and Execute Legal Strategy: Architect and implement a comprehensive legal strategy that supports enterprise-wide transformation initiatives, ensuring legal programs contribute to strategic goals.
• Optimize Legal Operations: Identify and implement process improvements, leverage technology, and manage resources to enhance the efficiency, agility, and overall performance of the legal department. This includes leading third-party vendor management to optimize value.
• Drive Service Delivery and Innovation: Transform legal services into a proactive, data-informed business partner by fostering innovation, establishing performance metrics, and leading change management initiatives.
• Ensure Policy Compliance and Governance: Oversee policy development and implementation to ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, mitigate legal risks, and strategically integrate legal programs with broader organizational goals.
• Foster Cross-functional Collaboration: Actively collaborate with other departments to ensure legal services effectively support and align with enterprise-wide initiatives and objectives.
• Manage Financial and Human Resources: Effectively manage the legal department's budget and resources to support departmental goals and objectives, ensuring continuous improvement in operational performance.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits, including a flexible retirement program with employer matching, along with voluntary savings options (RRSP, TFSA, and Non-Registered Savings Plans).
• A flexible hybrid work environment, continuous internal and external learning opportunities, and a meaningful reward and recognition program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed