LEGAL DIRECTOR, NORTH AMERICAN M&A At Couche‑Tard / Circle K, our mission is simple: to make our customer's lives a little easier every day. As one of the world’s leading convenience retailers, we serve almost 9 million customers each day across 17,000+ stores in 29 countries. We are looking for a senior leader who will help shape and execute our legal strategy for mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and North American capital markets activities. Department: Legal AffairsLocation: On‑site, Laval, QC (4204 boulevard Industriel, H7L 0E3)Type of employment: Permanent, Full Time (40 hours) THE ROLE Reporting to the Head of Legal, Corporate Legal Affairs & Global M&A, the Director, Legal Affairs – North American M&A will play a critical strategic role in supporting business development and growth across North America. The Director will work closely with senior leadership and business development teams to ensure all transactions are aligned with operational goals, comply with applicable legal requirements, and contribute to business enablement, growth, and operational excellence. The Director will provide expert legal advice on complex corporate and transactional matters, develop standardized playbooks, tools, and processes, and lead, mentor, and develop a team of legal professionals. WHAT YOU’LL DO Lead all legal aspects of U.S., Canada and cross‑border mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic investments from initial evaluation through integration, ensuring high‑quality and business‑aligned outcomes. Structure, draft, and negotiate complex transaction documentation including purchase agreements, shareholder and joint venture agreements, and ancillary contracts in collaboration with external counsel. Oversee the coordination of due diligence and specialist advisory work, including sector‑specific, regulatory and antitrust matters. Design, implement, and continuously improve M&A legal playbooks, templates, and operational processes to promote aligned execution across business units. Lead the creation of process maps and guidance documents simplifying deal execution steps for internal partners. Develop and deliver targeted training sessions on M&A fundamentals to corporate development, finance, and operations teams. Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of U.S. and Canada legal developments relevant to M&A, securities, and corporate law compliance. Foster collaboration with Legal, Finance, Tax, and Operations teams on transaction structuring, corporate reorganizations, and post‑closing integration workstreams. Provide expert advice to Treasury and Finance on public and private capital‑raising initiatives. Lead legal support for North American financing activities. Provide strategic and practical advice to executive management to facilitate sound, timely decision‑making in line with corporate priorities. OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Oversee mandates given to outside counsel, ensuring compliance with billing, performance, and cost targets. Ensure the company is represented with integrity and consistency, implementing strategies to mitigate commercial and litigation risk and reputational harm. Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies, contributing to a culture of accountability and ethical conduct. Develop and deliver training on legal procedures and policies to promote awareness and reduce legal risk. Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant legal areas and contribute to continuous improvement of legal practices. Perform all related professional functions in support of the Legal Department’s transformation and strategic goals. LEADERSHIP & TALENT DEVELOPMENT Lead, mentor, and support the NA‑M&A legal team, providing strategic direction and promoting a culture of continuous learning. Serve as the primary point of contact for North American M&A, business development and capital markets initiatives. Manage relationships with external counsel and internal stakeholders to ensure high‑quality, cost‑effective service delivery. Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and legal excellence, championing technology and legal operations tools. Champion the integration of technology and legal operations tools to optimize legal support delivery. WHAT YOU’LL NEED Education Law degree and member in good standing of a law society in Canada. Experience 10+ years of experience focused on M&A, corporate transactional practice including both law firm and in‑house roles. Proven track record handling cross‑border transactions, joint ventures, complex commercial structures, and governance matters. Solid experience managing capital markets and debt financings is an asset. Knowledge and Skills Strategic governance thinker with practical, results‑driven problem‑solving skills. Excellent analytical and strategic reasoning skills. Exceptional negotiation and drafting skills, with demonstrated ability to manage diverse stakeholder interests. Superior communication and leadership competencies, adept at engaging senior stakeholders and fostering cross‑functional collaboration. Proven ability to translate complex legal and financial information into clear, actionable guidance. Demonstrated success in guiding and developing high‑performing legal teams to achieve strategic objectives. Strong leadership capability with a focus on coaching, collaboration, and accountability. Experience in leading through influence, inspiring cross‑functional alignment, and ensuring team performance in fast‑paced environments. Proven ability to organize work of the team, managing several complex files concurrently within deadlines. Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines. High degree of integrity, judgment, and professional ethics. Client‑centric approach, facilitator of change, appreciation of entrepreneurial culture and ability to adapt to a constantly changing environment. Language Skills Bilingualism required (Advanced French and English) both spoken and written, with collaboration with global teams. WHY YOU SHOULD WORK HERE Benefits Package Group Insurance Program – flexible coverage options and optional insurance (health and dental, long‑term disability, life insurance, health spending account). Pension Plan – plan for your future and retire with peace of mind. Share Purchase Plan – employee stock purchase plan to share in our success. Paid Time Off – vacation days, sick days, and personal days for healthy work‑life balance. Additional Perks Employee Discounts – exclusive discounts on products and services. Training and Development – ongoing learning opportunities. Recognition and Rewards – programs, incentives, and milestones. Mentorship Program – guidance from seasoned professionals. Scholarship Program – support for employees and children’s education. At Couche‑Tard / Circle K, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life to join our team and contribute their unique perspectives and talents. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in the hiring process. We thank all candidates for their interest in this position. Please note that only selected candidates will be contacted for further steps in the hiring process. #J-18808-Ljbffr