Description

Canadian Solar is a leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules, provider of solar energy and battery storage solutions, and developer of utility-scale solar power and battery storage projects, with a geographically diversified pipeline in various stages of development.

As one of the world’s largest solar technology and renewable energy companies, Canadian Solar aims to power the world with solar energy and to create a cleaner Earth for future generations. Our culture and people are our most important assets and a key source of our competitive advantage. We strive to “Make the Difference” in our work by cultivating a corporate culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and creating a lasting positive impact on society and the communities where we operate.

Position Title:   Legal Counsel, Canada Operations and O&M
Department:     Legal (Canadian Offices)
Reports To:      General Counsel and Director, Corporate and O&M

Location

Greater Toronto Area and Southwestern Ontario are preferred, so that attendance at our Guelph Office may occur on a weekly basis. Remote work near our Calgary Office and from other locations in Canada will be considered for the right candidate.

Description

Reporting to the General Counsel and Director, Corporate and O&M, the Legal Counsel will be a key member of the Legal Team in Canada. The Legal Counsel will provide support for the company’s established and growing Operations and Maintenance (O&M) business, servicing utility-scale solar energy and energy storage projects in Canada, the U.S., and globally. The role will focus on O&M contracting, subcontracting, and warranty matters, and will also include a variety of other matters to support Canada Operations and the NASDAQ-listed parent company, Canadian Solar Inc. The ideal candidate will be a strong technical lawyer and a pragmatic businessperson. 

Position Summary

The Legal Counsel will provide legal advice and services in the general areas of corporate and commercial law, with the ability to coordinate litigation matters and provide reasonable instructions to outside counsel.

In particular, the Legal Counsel will:

• Provide legal support for the company’s O&M activities, which includes drafting and negotiating O&M agreements, corresponding with stakeholders, and supporting due diligence efforts in its M&A activities as the O&M business grows
• Provide legal support for Canada Operations, which includes advising Finance, Tax, and IT Departments, and litigation management
• Review regional contract documents for compliance with global legal framework requirements
• Assist with various corporate and governance matters
• Interface with middle- and top-level management
• Source, create, and implement solutions for the efficient provision of legal services to various internal clients
• Ensure that all activities are performed with the highest ethical standards and in compliance with Canadian Solar policies, codes, and procedures

Qualifications & Experience

The ideal Legal Counsel will have the following qualifications and experience:

• J.D./LL.B. from a reputable law school
• License to practice law in Ontario or other Canadian jurisdiction (or ability to qualify)
• 5-10 years of legal experience at a law firm or equivalent in-house experience
• Demonstrated experience with the negotiation and drafting of services and supply agreements, and security arrangements (bonds, letters of credit, guarantees)
• Ability to assist in due diligence efforts and M&A activities
• Familiarity with energy project agreements and joint venture agreements preferred
• Litigation management experience preferred
• Strong experience with contractual matters generally, understanding of the nuances associated with drafting complicated agreements, ability to manage and navigate the challenges of negotiating complex arrangements
• Experience with corporate governance rules, policies, and procedures
• Demonstrated ability to provide sound legal advice, exercise good business judgment and work with senior management, outside counsel, customers, and regulators
• Strong project management and analytical skills
• Must be a self-starter with strong interpersonal and organizational skills capable of functioning in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Travel: 0 – 15%. Ability to travel to the Guelph Office preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

Canadian Solar offers a competitive salary plus fully comprehensive benefits and a performance bonus package. Our benefits package includes medical/dental/life/disability programs.

Note:
We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected group.

Studies have shown that women and people of diverse backgrounds are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification in the posting. We are committed to creating an environment where we eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups. We strongly encourage applications even if you don’t believe you meet all the requirements outlined. We will do our best to respond.