Director, Legal Services & Legal Counsel

YVR is a place of connection, bringing together people, places and cargo while ensuring a safe and efficient experience for everyone. YVR’s Legal and Corporate Services Department is an integral part of YVR, responsible for ensuring that our operations comply with laws and regulations, managing the organization’s legal risks, and protecting the organization’s interests.

Position Overview

The Director, Legal Services & Legal Counsel is a strategic legal partner to the organization. Leading the Legal Services and Privacy teams, this role provides business-oriented legal guidance to help YVR move quickly, thoughtfully, and responsibly. The position is directly involved in significant transactions, land development initiatives, financing matters, government relations issues, and regulatory compliance. The Director also oversees litigation, claims, and disputes involving the Airport Authority, including legal strategy, risk assessment, management of external counsel, and recommendations to senior management on resolution options.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and managing the Legal Services Department and Privacy team, including departmental budgeting and annual planning; participating in Directors Working Group and Investment Board processes; driving the continuous improvement of internal processes; and providing leadership, coaching, and mentorship to direct reports
• Providing support and context to direct reports on their files, including corporate and commercial matters, leasing, land development, construction, procurement, licensing, tax, claims, and privacy
• Providing legal and strategic advice to staff and management across operational and business units on a broad range of matters, including leasing, land development, ground leases, subsidiaries, corporate structuring of major business initiatives, groundside and airside operations, terminal operations, environmental matters, licensing, and Airport South issues
• Supporting strategic engagement with federal, provincial, and municipal government agencies and regulators on legal, policy, and regulatory matters affecting the Airport Authority
• Identifying, assessing, and mitigating legal, regulatory, and business risks arising from operational activities, strategic initiatives, commercial transactions, and emerging issues
• Managing external counsel to ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of legal advice

Key qualifications include:

• LL.B. or J.D degree (or equivalent)
• Membership in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia, or eligibility for membership through another Canadian law society
• At least nine years’ relevant experience at a corporate/commercial law firm or in-house legal department
• Demonstrated sound, pragmatic judgment with the ability to problem-solve and critically analyse situations
• Strategic perspective with ability to see the big picture and understand the strategic and business objectives of the organization
• Positive attitude and the desire to lead a close-knit and supportive team
• Strong interpersonal skills and customer service focused with the ability to develop strong relationships with a variety of internal stakeholders
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines and manage a variety of projects simultaneously and balance conflicting priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate legal advice in a clear and practical manner
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative and desire for continuous learning opportunities

Although not required, French language skills are an asset as we are committed to providing bilingual services to our visitors and passengers.

This position is open to both Vancouver Airport Authority employees and external applicants.

Previous job performance will be taken into consideration for all internal candidates that apply for this position. As part of our recruitment process, short-listed candidates may be required to participate in an assessment process.