Senior Legal Counsel (Commercial Manager)

Join Kainos and Shape the Future At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators—driven by a shared mission to create real impact. We transform digital services for millions, deliver cutting‑edge Workday solutions, and push the boundaries of technology, all together. We believe in a people‑first culture , where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference.

Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration. Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.

As a Senior Legal Counsel (Commercial Manager) at Kainos, you will be joining a commercially focused, leading in‑house legal team. We are seeking a pragmatic, business‑focused, and collaborative commercial lawyer. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in drafting, negotiating, and advising on complex commercial contracts, with a proven ability to balance legal risk against commercial objectives.

A strong understanding and experience of the Canadian public sector procurement and contracting environment is highly desirable. You will be flexible, forward‑thinking, and solutions‑oriented, with the confidence to provide clear, practical advice that supports strategic goals. This role requires someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, demonstrates exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, and maintains a strong business focus while safeguarding compliance and governance.

This is a hybrid role based out of our Halifax office. Your Responsibilities Will Include: Act as a trusted advisor to the business, balancing legal obligations with commercial realities. You will be responsible for keeping stakeholders engaged at all steps of the process and shifting focus to align with business needs.

Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including customer, supplier, and partner contracts, SaaS agreements, software licensing, and professional services contracts. Collaborate with internal stakeholders across commercial, finance, delivery, and leadership teams to enable strategic initiatives. Support bid teams on contractual terms for tenders and proposals.

Identify and mitigate legal and commercial risks in new ventures and ongoing operations. Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant legislation, regulatory changes, and industry best practice. Contribute to continuous improvement of contract templates, processes, and governance frameworks.

Manage, supervise, and support the up‑skilling and development of more junior members of the team as required. Minimum (Essential) Requirements: Qualified lawyer who is called to the bar and currently licensed in good standing in Canada with a minimum of 8‑10 years relevant post‑qualification experience in a commercial contracts role. A strong understanding of the Canadian public sector procurement (federal and/or provincial) and contracting and subcontracting environment.

Extensive experience in commercial contracts within the IT sector. Articulate, analytical, pragmatic, and enthusiastic. Excellent drafting, communication, and negotiation skills.

Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to build strong trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders. A high attention to detail with excellent time management, organisational, and planning skills. Ability to work to tight deadlines and make sensible decisions under pressure.

A proven ability to work in teams, including managing and driving a high‑performing team. A demonstrated ability in managing, mentoring, and coaching members of your team and wider community. Desirable: A solid understanding of the legislative and regulatory landscape relevant to the role, including international frameworks such as the GDPR and the EU AI Act, as well as Canadian requirements such as PIPEDA (and applicable provincial equivalents), the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA), and Canadian public sector procurement legislation and trade agreement obligations.

Experience drafting and negotiating SaaS agreements. Embracing Our Differences At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive.

We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are. We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field. #J-18808-Ljbffr