Director, Legal Affairs

Company Description

Copilot said:

At Unimax, we empower people who forge their own path. Through our various divisions, including tire distribution (Distribution Stox), wheel and rim distribution (RSSW), and our retail network (Point S, V1, Otobox, and Local Tire Centre), we bring together complementary areas of expertise to build a high-performing and agile Canadian organization.

Our success is built on clear foundations: collaboration, the strength of the collective, and entrepreneurial respect. Here, every employee contributes to meaningful, high-impact projects in an environment where expertise and initiative are valued and recognized.

Job Description

Role Summary

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Corporate and Commercial Lawyer serves as a trusted legal advisor to the various business units across the organization.

The incumbent is responsible for advising the company on all legal matters related to its commercial and corporate activities, ensuring compliance, managing risk, protecting the organization’s interests, and supporting adherence to applicable laws and regulations. The role is primarily focused on commercial and corporate law, including contract management and support for mergers and acquisitions activities.

Over time, the successful candidate will also assume the role of Corporate Secretary to the Board of Directors.

The Lawyer performs their duties with professional independence, in full compliance with solicitor-client privilege and in the best interests of the organization.

Responsibilities

Commercial and Contract Law

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements (suppliers, partners, customers, commercial leases, etc.)
• Ensure the legal compliance of commercial activities
• Develop and maintain contract templates and legal documentation standards

Corporate Law and Governance

• Participate in the management of corporate entities (incorporations, amendments, reorganizations, restructurings)
• Maintain corporate records and ensure registers and minute books are up to date
• Prepare legal documentation required for decision-making bodies
• Contribute to the implementation and maintenance of sound governance practices

Transactions and Strategic Projects

• Participate in acquisitions, divestitures, reorganizations, and other strategic transactions
• Conduct or coordinate due diligence activities
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including tax advisors, external counsel, and financial institutions
• Support growth, investment, and business transformation initiatives

Legal Advisory and Risk Management

• Act as a legal advisor to internal teams on various business and operational matters
• Identify and assess legal risks associated with business activities
• Recommend practical and business-oriented solutions to support operational objectives

Corporate Governance and Board Secretariat

• Coordinate the preparation and administration of Board of Directors meetings, including agendas, meeting materials, and follow-up actions
• Draft meeting minutes and maintain corporate records
• Ensure compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements
• Advise management and the Board on governance best practices

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B. or J.D.)
• Member in good standing of the Barreau du Québec (required)
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in corporate and commercial law
• Experience in mergers and acquisitions (strong asset)

Skills

• Excellent contract drafting, review, and negotiation skills
• Strong understanding of business and commercial issues
• Ability to manage multiple files and priorities simultaneously
• Strategic mindset and strong business acumen
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and attention to detail
• Fully bilingual (French and English). The incumbent will regularly interact with clients and partners across Canada, requiring strong proficiency in both French and English, spoken and written.

Assets

• Experience working in a multi-entity or rapidly growing organization
• Experience in corporate governance, including Board of Directors secretariat responsibilities

Additional Information

Benefits offered 

Join a company that invests in your success: enjoy remote work opportunities, flexible schedules, comprehensive group benefits, a Group RRSP with employer contributions, virtual healthcare services, wellness programs, and numerous professional development opportunities. At Unimax, career growth opportunities are aligned with your ambitions.

About Unimax

Founded in 1979 and based in Boucherville, we are now a leading tire distributor in Canada.

At Unimax, we rely on three divisions — Point S, Distribution Stox and RSSW — as well as a strong network of distribution centres and more than 1,300 points of sale across the country to provide our customers with national coverage and fast, efficient service.

Through our partnerships with the industry’s leading manufacturers, we offer a complete range of products tailored to a diverse customer base, covering all segments from passenger vehicles to the industrial, agricultural and commercial sectors.

In full growth mode, we continue to move forward with ambition by focusing on innovation, the expansion of our network and strategic acquisitions.

At Unimax, we place both our customers and our employees at the heart of our priorities. We value collaboration, expertise and talent development in a dynamic environment where everyone can make a meaningful contribution to our collective success.

Want to make a real impact? Join us and be part of the Unimax journey.