Director - Legal Operations

About the role

D-Wave is seeking a highly organized, strategic, and tech-savvy Director, Legal Operations, to optimize legal workflows, implement legal technology solutions, and drive efficiency across the Legal team. This role will lead the transformation of the Legal function into a scalable, high-performing, and data-driven function. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel, you will be instrumental in defining and executing the company’s overall legal operations strategy, aligning legal processes and systems with overall business goals in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

What you'll do

• Define and execute the company’s legal operations strategy, partnering with executive leadership to align legal processes with long-term business growth and objectives

• Drive transformation and scalability of the legal function through technology, automation, process optimization, and effective change management

• Define and drive adoption of new processes and technology across the Legal team

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and legal vendor management ensuring cost efficiency, ROI, and long-term financial planning for the Legal department

• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams (Finance, IT, HR, etc.) and external partners to align processes and delivery of company-wide initiatives 

• Implement and manage core legal technology platforms (e.g., CLM, e-billing, document management, analytics), standardizing workflows and ensuring data integrity and operational consistency

• Establish and maintain metrics and reporting frameworks (KPIs, dashboards) to track efficiency, service quality, resource utilization, risks, and business impact 

• Refine and maintain centralized legal resources, templates, playbooks, and knowledge bases, to ensure consistency and scalability across the Legal function

• Ensure governance, risk and compliance frameworks are in place to support legal operations, compliance with regulatory obligations, internal initiatives and audits as required

• Lead and develop the Legal Operations and administrative team, fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement

• Stay current on legal operations trends and best practices, continuously identifying opportunity for innovation and process improvement

About You

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g. Business, Information Technology, or Legal Studies) advanced degree (MBA, JD, or similar) a plus

• 15+ years’ experience in legal operations or a related function within an in-house legal department, what a proven track record of leading large-scale transformation initiatives

• Strategic mindset with strong business and financial acumen, able to connect legal operations strategy to broader company goals and measurable outcomes

• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and organizational change and drive successful adoption of new technologies, processes, and ways of working.

• Demonstrated success leading and developing teams

• Ability to implement governance and risk management frameworks to ensure operation compliance and data integrity 

• Expertise in legal technology platforms (e.g., CLM, e-billing, document management, analytics), and experience integrating systems for scalability and efficiency

• Exceptional communication and influence skills, with the ability to partner effectively with senior executives and cross-functional leaders

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; comfortable using data and metrics to drive insights, decisions, and continuous improvement

• Self-motivated, proactive, and adaptable, thriving in a fast-paced, evolving environment

A D-Waver's DNA

• We look at the future and say “why not”; we see possibilities where others see problems or routines. We show the way ahead and are committed to achieving ambitious goals.

• We practice straight talk and listen generously to each other with empathy. We value different opinions and points of views. We ensure that we connect outside as well as inside to learn from others and inspire each other.

• We hold ourselves accountable for delivering results. We make decisions & take responsibility so that we can act & support each other.

• As leaders we motivate & engage our teams to undertake beyond what they originally thought possible, by developing our teams & creating the conditions for people to grow and empower themselves through enabling & coaching.

Our Compensation Philosophy is Simple but Powerful:

We believe providing D-Wavers with company ownership, competitive pay, and a range of meaningful benefits is the start of creating a culture where people want to give the best they’ve got — not because they’re simply making money, but because they’ve fallen in love with our vision, mission, values, and team. 

During the interview process, your Recruiter will review our total rewards (base, equity, bonus, perks, benefit, culture) . The final offer is determined by your proficiencies within this level.   

Inclusion: 

We celebrate diverse perspectives to drive innovation in our pursuit. Our employees range from distinguished domain experts with decades of experience in their respective fields, to bright and motivated graduates eager to make their mark. Our diverse and innovative team will make you feel appreciated, supported and empower your career growth at D-Wave.

The Fine Print: 

No 3rd party candidates will be accepted

It is D-Wave Systems Inc. policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, local law.