Sr Specialist, Lease Documentation

Who we are:

At RCL - Reitmans Canada Limited, every moment of every day revolves around our customers and our love of fashion. We believe fashion empowers our customers to put their best foot forward when it matters the most. From the design table to the stores and our digital channels, we are always finding new ways to create memorable customer experiences, backed by a strong brand portfolio and powered by the most passionate people in the industry.

RCL has been a proudly Canadian company since our founding in Montréal, Quebec almost 100 years ago. Our product design teams, home office and stores are all based in Canada.

As a Senior Lease Documentation Specialist and key member of the Lease Management team, you will oversee the preparation, negotiation, and management of all legal documentation for the company's leased real estate portfolio across Canada. Your focus: ensuring accuracy, enforceability, and risk mitigation under the Quebec Civil Code and Canadian common law.

Reporting to the Director, Lease Documentation, you will play a leadership role in shaping standards, driving negotiations, and acting as a trusted liaison between internal teams and external partners.

The ideal candidate is an experienced lease negotiator with strong legal acumen, sound business judgment, and the ability to thrive independently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Tasks and responsibilities

Lease Documentation & Negociation

• Lead drafting, negotiation, and finalization of lease-related documents (agreements, offers, leases, amendments) across all Canadian provinces, ensuring alignment with company standards and objectives.
• Act as primary liaison with landlords, legal counsel, developers, brokers, and stakeholders to secure favorable terms.
• Identify and mitigate legal and operational risks in lease agreements.
• Interpret complex lease documents and provide clear, actionable summaries to internal stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain standardized legal language and precedents for consistency across jurisdictions.

Strategic Legal Leadership

• Define and maintain legal precedents and standardized clauses to ensure consistency and protect company interests.
• Interpret complex lease provisions and provide actionable recommendations to senior leadership and Real Estate teams.
• Provide strategic support to Legal Counsel on leasing matters, including document analysis and recommendations for legal opinions or dispute resolution.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Real Estate, Legal, Finance, Store Planning, and Executive Leadership to ensure lease data accuracy and operational alignment.
• Contribute to strategic real estate initiatives, including store openings, relocations, and renewals.
• Oversee registration of real estate instruments (Notices of Lease, Caveats) and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
• Review and process supplementary documents (Estoppel Certificates, Non-Disturbance Agreements, landlord/lender requests).
• Exercise sound judgment on escalation and resolution of complex leasing challenges.

What Sets You Apart:

• Paralegal Certificate or equivalent legal education; real estate law training is an asset.
• 10+ years of experience in commercial lease documentation and negotiation, including Quebec and common law jurisdictions.
• Expert knowledge of Canadian commercial leasing principles and structures.
• Exceptional drafting and negotiation skills, with ability to lead complex transactions independently.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strategic thinker, skilled in risk assessment and sound decision-making.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven leadership, with ability to mentor and take on increased responsibility.
• Technologically proficient (Microsoft Office, Adobe).
• Bilingual proficiency: Advanced English and strong French communication skills.

What Sets Us Apart:

• Ultimate flexibility: Enjoy a hybrid work environment that ensures the perfect balance between work and personal life.
• Well-being first: Access a comprehensive benefits program designed to take care of you.
• Flexible time off: Paid leave, sick days, and vacation time to recharge and spend quality time with loved ones.
• Exclusive discounts: Enjoy 50% off regular-priced items from PENN. (Penningtons), Reitmans, and RW&CO.
• Referral rewards: Refer your professional network and earn a bonus for helping us grow our talented team (Certain conditions apply)
• Growth opportunities: Annual bonuses, career advancement, and tuition reimbursement to help you reach your professional goals.

Total rewards are aligned with your employment status, offering different perks depending on whether you're full-time, part-time, or under contract.

Did you know that RCL - Reitmans Canada Limited operates hundreds of stores across Canada and boasts three iconic fashion banners? Join one of Canada's leading retail brands with a rich history of success, where you'll have the opportunity to make your mark and have your voice heard. At RCL, there are many ways to build and advance your career #ReadytoRCL

RCL is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace for all. We believe that our future success relies on the perspectives and contributions of all our employees—their diverse backgrounds, skills, and experiences strengthen our business. If you are selected for an interview, please let us know if you require any accommodations to ensure a fair and equitable recruitment and selection process. All accommodation information will be kept confidential and used solely to support accessibility for candidates.

We thank all applicants. Only selected candidates will be contacted.

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