Vice President, Contracts, Legal Affairs, and Corporate Secretary

As a member of the Executive Committee, he oversees functions related to contracts, legal affairs, corporate secretariat, and strategic procurement. He is responsible for the legal affairs, contract management, and procurement teams, and serves as a strategic advisor to senior management on legal matters, governance, and contract management. He ensures that the Port Authority’s activities and official documents comply with regulations, safeguards them, and protects the organization’s interests. He also oversees the proper functioning of governance bodies, particularly the Board of Directors and its committees, and ensures that procurement and contract management practices effectively support the organization’s strategic and operational objectives.

Responsibilities :

• Provide leadership, management, development, and engagement for the teams under his or her responsibility to foster excellence, collaboration, and the achievement of organizational objectives.
• Establish the strategic direction and priorities for his or her vice presidency, and ensure the effective management of human, financial, and material resources.
• Advise the President and CEO, senior management, and the Board of Directors on legal, regulatory, contractual, and governance issues.
• Ensure compliance with the Canada Marine Act, letters patent, by-laws, and any other legislation or regulations applicable to the Port Authority’s activities.
• Oversee the negotiation, drafting, interpretation, and administration of the organization’s contracts, leases, commercial agreements, and other strategic commitments.
• Lead strategic procurement activities and ensure the application of rigorous, transparent processes that comply with best practices.
• Ensure the identification, assessment, and management of legal, contractual, and regulatory risks.
• Serve as corporate secretary and ensure the smooth operation of the Board of Directors and its committees.
• Ensure the compliance, integrity, and preservation of the Port Authority’s corporate records and documents.
• Represent the Port Authority before government authorities, business partners, external advisors, and other stakeholders on matters within its area of responsibility.

Minimum job requirements:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in law (LL.B., LL.L., or J.D.).
• Be a member in good standing of the Quebec Bar, the Quebec Chamber of Notaries, or a recognized Canadian bar association.
• Have a minimum of fifteen (15) years of relevant experience, including significant experience in management and leadership roles.
• Demonstrate a strong ability to develop and implement strategic directions aligned with organizational objectives.
• Exercise inspirational leadership that fosters team performance, engagement, and development.
• Have solid experience in performance management, change management, and staff development.
• Demonstrate a proven ability to delegate effectively, empower teams, and ensure results are achieved.
• Possess excellent communication, negotiation, and influence skills when interacting with stakeholders at various levels.
• Demonstrate excellent command of French and English, both spoken and written.
• Be able to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and develop lasting partnerships.
• Possess excellent judgment, strong political acumen, and the ability to analyze complex issues in order to make informed decisions in sometimes ambiguous contexts.
• Demonstrate an excellent ability to set priorities, manage multiple strategic initiatives simultaneously, and thrive in a demanding environment.
• Demonstrate thoroughness, independence, integrity, and a high level of professionalism.
• Possess strong analytical, synthesis, and problem-solving skills, as well as an innovative approach to finding solutions.
• Demonstrate the confidence and leadership courage necessary to advocate for recommendations, influence decisions, and act in the best interests of the organization.
• A good understanding of the legislative, regulatory, and governance frameworks applicable to Canadian port authorities, particularly the Canada Marine Act, will be considered an asset.