Director, Legal Operations and Programs

Toronto Pearson is transforming. Now's the time for your career to fly.
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is a unique and dynamic place to work, with a bold plan to make Toronto Pearson, Canada's leading global hub airport, a global leader in airport performance, customer care and sustainability. Together with our partners, approximately 1,900 GTAA employees are working to create a next-generation airport by innovating in all we do and striving for the most uplifting, safe and efficient experience for our passengers – all while championing the prosperity of our people, the community we call home, and our aviation partners. Join us on our journey together, as we put the joy back into travel and make Toronto Pearson the chosen place to fly and work.

What's in it for you?

• An opportunity to grow, develop, and thrive within a dynamic, and fast-growing company alongside thoughtful and passionate individuals dedicated to their work and community
• 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 can you expect from this position?
As a trusted advisor to the Chief Legal Officer, the Director, Legal Operations and Programs plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the GTAA's legal function. This senior leader is responsible for architecting and executing a comprehensive legal operations strategy that enhances 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 that includes legal operations, policy management, regulatory compliance, and the Pearson Standard program—ensuring these programs are strategically integrated, well-governed, and continuously improved. With a strong focus on collaboration, change leadership, and enterprise alignment, this role ensures that legal programs not only support compliance and risk mitigation but also contribute meaningfully to the GTAA's strategic goals.

As Director of Legal Operations and Programs, you will:

• 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.

This is the role for you, if you have:

• Minimum 8-10 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.

The GTAA is committed to Employment Equity and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive