As a key member of the Real Estate team, the Senior Lease Documentation Manager oversees the preparation, negotiation, and management of all legal documentation related to the company’s leased real estate portfolio across Canada.
A subject matter expert in commercial lease documentation under both Quebec Civil Code and Canadian common law, this role ensures accuracy, enforceability, consistency, and effective risk mitigation.
Reporting to the Director, Lease Documentation, this position plays a lead role in shaping leasing standards, driving strategic negotiations, and supporting cross-functional partners. RCL is committed to internal development: this position offers a structured career path toward a future leadership role.
Job Description:
Lease Documentation & Negotiation
- Lead drafting, negotiation, and finalization of lease related documents (agreements, offers, leases, amendments) across all Canadian provinces.
- Serve as the primary liaison with landlords, legal counsel, developers, brokers, and stakeholders to secure favorable lease terms.
- Proactively identify and mitigate legal and operational risks in lease agreements.
- Assess legal and commercial risk in lease transactions and provide practical recommendations to minimize exposure while supporting business goals.
- Interpret complex lease documents and deliver clear, actionable summaries to the Director and executives.
- Develop and maintain standardized legal language and precedents across jurisdictions.
Strategic Legal Leadership
- Define and maintain standardized clauses and legal precedents to protect company interests.
- Interpret complex lease provisions and provide strategic, actionable recommendations to executives and the Real Estate team.
- Provide strategic support to Legal Counsel, including document analysis and recommendations for legal opinions or dispute related matters.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Real Estate, Legal, Finance, Store Planning, and Executive Leadership to ensure data accuracy, operational alignment and consistency with broader business strategy.
- Act as a key contributor to strategic real estate initiatives, including store openings, relocations, and renewals.
- Oversee registration of real estate instruments (Notices of Lease, Caveats) and ensure compliance.
- Review and process supplementary documents (Estoppel Certificates, Non Disturbance Agreements, lender requests).
Leadership & Succession
- Demonstrate readiness to assume expanded responsibilities, including stepping into the Director’s role upon retirement.
- Support team members and provide leadership coverage during the Director’s absence.
- Mentor junior team members and foster a collaborative, high performance culture.