Title:  Director, Legal Operations and Strategic Support - LCGS

Requisition ID: 256819 

Join a purpose driven winning team, committed to results, in an inclusive and high-performing culture.

The Director, Legal Operations and Strategic Support is responsible for the financial management, strategic planning and operational oversight of the Legal, Corporate Governance and Secretary (LCGS) function ensuring specific individual goals, plans, and initiatives are executed / delivered in support of the team’s business strategies and objectives. Ensure all activities conducted are in compliance with governing regulations, internal policies and procedures. 

The Director acts as a strategic advisor to the EVP & General Counsel and partners closely with the Leadership team to ensure the LCGS function operates efficiently, cost-effectively, and in alignment with enterprise priorities.

Is this role right for you? In this role you will:  

•    Financial Management and Budgeting
o    Lead the department’s financial planning process and monthly budget reviews.
o    Oversee forecasting, accruals, and variance analysis; proactively identify risks and opportunities to optimize spending. 
o    Partner with Finance to ensure compliance with financial controls, policies, and approval authorities.
o    Provide timely, data‑driven financial insights to the EVP & General Counsel and Senior Leadership to support strategic and operational decision‑making.

•    Strategic Planning and Communications
o    Lead the department-wide strategic planning process, including the development, prioritization, and execution of annual goals and priorities in alignment to enterprise initiatives.
o    Translate strategies into actionable plans, milestones and performance measures. 
o    Complete competitive / business environment research and benchmarking to determine emerging issues and trends and analyze the impact / implications of those trends on the department’s strategic plan.
o    Track and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the LCGS Department, including customer satisfaction measures and efficiency metrics.
o    Partner with Global Communications on the strategies for key communications on behalf of the EVP & General Counsel, including departmental updates, strategic projects, and change communications. .
o    Prepare briefing materials, presentations, and reports for the EVP & General Counsel and Senior Leaders. 

•    Operational Management
o    Lead cross-functional strategic projects for the department involving LCGS and other business lines.
o    Drive continuous improvement by identifying trends and opportunities related to technology enablement, operations tools, and external best practices, applying an “outside‑in” perspective to evolve the function and increase efficiency and consistency.
o    Coordinate and support audit activities, including management‑identified issues and governance findings.
o    Support business compliance and regulatory initiatives (e.g., 1B or equivalent regulatory programs) impacting the function’s operating model and compliance obligations.
o    Provide oversight of headcount planning and ensure effective business continuity planning for the department.
o    Oversee the department administration, including the onboarding and offboarding of employees, coordination of technology enablement and support, and ensuring day‑to‑day operational infrastructure effectively supports the function’s strategic and regulatory responsibilities.

•    Lead and drive a stakeholder focused culture. Enable the EVP & General Counsel to deepen client relationships and leverages broader Bank relationships and knowledge.

•    Understand how the Bank’s risk appetite and risk culture should be considered in day-to-day activities and decisions.

•    Create an environment in which their team pursues effective and efficient operations of their respective areas in accordance with Scotiabank’s Values, its Code of Conduct and the Global Sales Principles, while ensuring the adequacy, adherence to and effectiveness of day-to-day business controls to meet obligations with respect to operational, compliance, AML/ATF/sanctions and conduct risk.

•    Build a high-performance environment and implements a people strategy that attracts, retains, develops and motivates their team by fostering an inclusive work environment and using a coaching mindset and behaviours; communicating vison/values/business strategy; and, managing succession and development planning for the team.

Do you have the skills that will enable you to succeed? – We would love to work with you if you have:

•    University degree in Law, Business, Accounting, or Finance 
•    5+ years of experience in Legal Operations within a firm or a comparable corporate role
•    Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead cross-functional initiatives
•    Excellent analytical, project management, problem solving, and decision-making skills
•    Proven ability to autonomously support and/or lead initiatives without formal authority through the organization and deliver results
•    Strong written and verbal communications skills, with the ability to interact at all levels of the organization and tailor messages appropriately
•    Thrives in a fast-paced, challenging and dynamic business environment
•    Experience managing a high-performing team and developing talent

What's in it for you?
•    The opportunity to join a forward-thinking bank surrounded by a collaborative team of innovative thinkers.
•    A rewarding career path with diverse opportunities for professional development.
•    Internal development to support your growth and enhance your skills.
•    An organization committed to making a difference in our communities– for you and our customers.
•    We have an inclusive and collaborative working environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and celebrates success!

Location(s):  Canada : Ontario : Toronto 

Scotiabank is a leading bank in the Americas. Guided by our purpose: "for every future", we help our customers, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets.  

At Scotiabank, we value the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the Bank, and are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. If you require accommodation (including, but not limited to, an accessible interview site, alternate format documents, ASL Interpreter, or Assistive Technology) during the recruitment and selection process, please let our  Recruitment team know. If you require technical assistance, please click here. Candidates must apply directly online to be considered for this role. We thank all applicants for their interest in a career at Scotiabank; however, only those candidates who are selected for an interview will be contacted.