Senior Director of External Counsel

Job DescriptionWHAT IS THE OPPORTUNITY?The Senior Director of External Counsel Management will lead RBC's enterprise-wide external counsel management program. This senior role will drive organizational transformation of how RBC manages external legal resources, to further position external law firms as strategic partners that deliver measurable business value while maintaining rigorous risk and financial discipline.The Senior Director will lead a high-performing team and serve as the owner of RBC's external counsel strategy across four interconnected pillars: financial governance, relationship management, documentation standards, and enterprise risk management. This role will report to the VP of the Chief Legal & Administrative Officer (CLAO) Group Shared Services & Enterprise Legal Advisory, and will provide governance oversight to ensure external legal spend and law firm relationships are fully optimized, transparent, and aligned with the bank's enterprise risk framework and strategic objectives.WHAT DO YOU NEED TO SUCCEED?1. Enterprise Financial Governance & Strategic SourcingDesign and oversee sophisticated financial governance frameworks for global law firm spend, including rate structures, alternative fee arrangements (AFAs), performance-based models, and competitive procurement strategiesEstablish enterprise-wide spend analytics and business intelligence capabilities to drive cost optimization and value realizationWork alongside procurement team to lead strategic negotiations with major law firms on pricing, capacity planning, and service-level agreementsPartner with other functional partners to influence forecasting methodologies, executive reporting, and ROI measurement for external legal spendChampion continuous innovation in pricing discipline, value-based engagement models, and legal service delivery optimization2. Strategic Relationship & Portfolio ManagementOwn the enterprise law firm relationship strategy in close collaboration with the Global Head of Litigation and Chief Operating Officer for Law Group, as well as the VP, CLAO Group Shared Services & Enterprise Legal Advisory, and other senior leadershipEstablish governance frameworks for law firm performance measurement, including balanced scorecards, KPIs, benchmarking, qualitative evaluations and strategic reviewsLead law firm panel optimization, succession planning, and strategic partnershipsManage escalation processes for complex operational or relationship issues3. Documentation, Standards & GovernanceEstablish and maintain comprehensive governance documentation for external counsel engagements, including external counsel manuals, engagement letter frameworks, billing protocols, and compliance requirementsEnsure global consistency and alignment with regulatory expectations, internal policies, and operational best practicesDrive adoption of standards across the organization and serve as the subject matter expert for external counsel governance mattersPeriodically audit and refresh documentation to reflect evolving regulatory requirements and market practices4. Enterprise Risk Management & Compliance OversightLead the third-party risk management program for external counsel, to establish risk assessment frameworks and ongoing monitoring mechanismsIdentify, assess, and mitigate operational, compliance, and reputational risks associated with global external counsel managementEnsure alignment with enterprise risk management expectations and emerging regulatory trends affecting legal service delivery5. Leadership & Organizational DevelopmentLead, mentor, and strategically develop a team, fostering a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvementDrive initiatives that enhance scalability, consistency, transparency, and maturity across the external counsel lifecycleEmploy legal technology solutions, data analytics, and automation to enhance reporting, controls, risk visibility, and decision-makingServe as a thought leader within the organization on legal operations and external counsel management best practicesWHAT DO YOU NEED TO SUCCEED?Must have:Bachelor's degree in any field15+ years of progressively senior experience in legal operations, external counsel management, procurement, enterprise risk management, or a related fieldDemonstrated experience managing law firm relationships and enterprise-level legal spend at significant scaleProven leadership experience, including building, mentoring, and developing high-performing teamsStrategic stakeholder management experience at senior organizational levels (C-suite, Board, or equivalent)Strong track record of driving organizational transformation and implementing large-scale process improvementsIn-depth knowledge of alternative fee arrangements, legal service delivery models, and pricing innovationDeep understanding of financial governance, enterprise risk management, and third-party oversight in regulated environmentsNice to have:JD, LLB, MBA, or equivalent advanced degreeExtensive experience within a financial institution or other highly regulated environment (banking, insurance, asset management)Proven experience leading global, multi-jurisdictional law firm programs across multiple time zones and legal systemsAdvanced expertise in enterprise risk management and compliance frameworksDemonstrated success implementing legal spend management platforms, matter management systems, and analytics capabilitiesWHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?We thrive on the challenge to be our best, progressive thinking to keep growing, and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual.A comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits, competitive compensation, commissions, and stock where applicableLeaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunitiesAbility to make a difference and lasting impactWork in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing teamA world-class training program in financial servicesFlexible work/life balance optionsOpportunities to do challenging workThe expected salary range for this particular position is $200,000 - $340,000 depending on your experience, skills, and registration status, market conditions and business needs.You have the potential to earn more through RBC’s discretionary variable compensation program which gives you an opportunity to increase your total compensation, provided the business meets its performance targets and you meet your individual goals.RBC’s compensation philosophy and principles recognize the importance of a highly qualified global workforce and plays a critical role in attracting, engaging and retaining talent that:Drives RBC’s high-performance cultureEnables collective achievement of our strategic goalsGenerates sustainable shareholder returns and above market shareholder valueJob SkillsAdditional Job DetailsAddress:GOLDMAN SACHS TOWER, 30 HUDSON STREET:JERSEY CITYCity:Jersey CityCountry:United States of AmericaWork hours/week:40Employment Type:Full timePlatform:Job Type:RegularPay Type:SalariedPosted Date:2026-08-21Application Deadline:2026-09-21Note:Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date aboveOur Employment OpportunitiesAt RBC, we are guided by living shared values of Client First, Integrity, Collaboration, Respect and Excellence and winning together as One RBC. We believe an inclusive workplace that has diverse perspectives is core to our continued growth as one of the largest and most successful banks in the world. Maintaining a workplace where our employees feel supported to perform at their best, effectively collaborate, drive innovation, and grow professionally helps to bring our Purpose to life and create value for our clients and communities. RBC strives to deliver this through policies and programs intended to foster a workplace based on respect, belonging and opportunity for all.Join our Talent CommunityStay in-the-know about great career opportunities at RBC. Sign up and get customized info on our latest jobs, career tips and Recruitment events that matter to you.Expand your limits and create a new future together at RBC. Find out how we use our passion and drive to enhance the well-being of our clients and communities at jobs.rbc.com.RBC is presently inviting candidates to apply for this existing vacancy. Applying to this posting allows you to express your interest in this current career opportunity at RBC. Qualified applicants may be contacted to review their resume in more detail.Job SummaryJob number: R-0000184319Date posted : 2026-08-21Profession: Audit | Compliance | Legal | RiskEmployment type: Full time