Legal Counsel (Commercial/Technology)

Company Description:

At McDonald's, we are committed to being the best, and that starts with finding the best people. We have built a team of extraordinary people from around the world. We are problem solvers, risk takers, innovators, and thought leaders that take our work seriously, but have fun doing it. We challenge ourselves to get smarter and sharper every day, we value personal and professional growth, and believe in rewarding and celebrating our successes.

Job Description:

Position title: Legal Counsel (Commercial/Technology)
Department: Legal                                                   
Position band: Management/Advisory (Global Grade 4)
Reports to: Head of Commercial Law
Type of position: Full-time / Permanent

The Opportunity
How would you like to work for the #1 quick service restaurant operation in the world?!

We currently have an opportunity for a Legal Counsel in our Legal Department with flexibility for the role to reside in either our Toronto office or Montreal office. 

This position will primarily be accountable for providing general commercial legal advice and drafting and negotiating commercial and technology agreements and other documentation. This position will provide you with an opportunity to hone your existing skills and work closely with, and be mentored by, other members of the legal and business teams, including those working on our technology and delivery teams.

Who you are
You thrive in a collaborative team environment and enjoy building productive work relationships with internal and external teams. You have strong strategic skills to move the team forward and make an impact on business initiatives. You are a critical thinker and a strong communicator who can work effectively in a fast paced and agile environment.    

What’s in it for you?
This is an unparalleled opportunity to join a winning organization during an exciting time of transformational change. You will gain exposure across all levels of the organization, from your team members to the business. If you are looking for a company with a winning culture where you can grow in depth and breadth while making a tangible impact on central initiatives, this is the right position for you!

Principal Accountabilities
In addition to following McDonald’s policies and procedures, principal accountabilities include, but are not limited to:

• Act as commercially-oriented, strategic counsel to the business with respect to general commercial and technology matters.
• Draft and advise on general commercial contracts, including for McDelivery.
• Draft and advise on technology-related contracts and support work related to the McDonald’s Global Mobile Application.
• Assistance with franchising-related sale transactions and acquisitions and other franchise work as may be required. 
• Manage outside counsel spend, if any, according to the budget.
• Manage litigation matters, if any, by effectively collaborating with and overseeing outside counsel to ensure maximum protection of the Brand and optimal resolutions for the company.
• Maintain a current subject matter expertise on all areas of law relevant to the position.
• Further a smart risk-taking approach that allows the business to be agile and deliver on its strategic growth pillars. 
• Ensure team collaboration, information sharing, organization, and appropriate use of technology.
• Foster trust and work collaboratively with all internal and external stakeholders.
• Connect with the global legal function to share best practices between and among the market and global teams.

Qualifications:

• A legal designation (i.e., Bachelor of Laws and/or Juris Doctorate) from an accredited university.
• Member in good standing of a law society in Canada.
• 5+ years of legal practice in the areas of commercial and technology.  Experience with mergers/acquisitions/transactions is a plus.  Technology-related experience is required.
• A willingness to take smart risks and be innovative and creative in finding solutions for the business.
• Stellar persuasion and written communication acumen, including in negotiation and drafting policy.
• Effective interpersonal and organizational skills with a proven proficiency in managing multiple high-priority projects within tight deadlines. 
• Meticulous attention to detail, coupled with a collaborative, consultative, and service-centric mentality, with a particular awareness of and sensitivity to diversity. 
• Excellent judgement and a self-starter mentality with the ability to work independently.
• Bilingualism is a significant advantage.

Additional Information:

McDonald’s Canada and Owner/Operators are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace for all. Our workplaces have a long-standing policy of providing fair, equitable, and accessible opportunities for all employees and prospective employees. Accommodations during the application process are available upon request.