Senior Legal Counsel - Employment

Job Type: Full-time | Location:  Vancouver BC, Canada | Department: Legal | Work Location Type: #Hybrid

IREN is a vertically integrated AI Cloud provider, delivering large-scale data centers and GPU clusters for AI training and inference. IREN’s platform is underpinned by its expansive portfolio of grid-connected land and power in renewable-rich regions across North America, Europe and APAC.

IREN is seeking an experienced employment lawyer to join our Legal team as Senior Legal Counsel – Employment, based in our Vancouver office. Reporting to the Senior Employment Counsel in Australia, you will be the primary in-house employment law adviser to our Canadian operations, supporting both our corporate workforce and the operational, site-based teams behind our data centres. This is a broad, hands-on role spanning the full employment lifecycle – from day-to-day advice and policy through to disputes, investigations and workforce change – together with the review and negotiation of HR-related commercial contracts. While your focus will be on Canada, you will also contribute to cross-border matters across our operations in the United States, Australia and other regions.

With 100% renewable energy, we build, own and operate our data centers and take pride in being at the forefront of sustainable solutions for the ever-evolving applications of high-performance compute. We believe that human progress is invaluable, but it should be done in the right way – responsibly, sustainably and having a positive impact on the communities we operate in. 

Responsibilities

• Advising on the full employment lifecycle – recruitment, onboarding, performance management, discipline, restructures, terminations and post-employment obligations – across IREN’s Canadian corporate and data centre workforce.
• Providing practical, risk-based advice on Canadian federal and provincial employment and labour law (with a focus on British Columbia), including employment standards, human rights, occupational health and safety, privacy, and workers’ compensation.
• Drafting, reviewing and updating employment contracts, offer letters, restrictive covenants, policies, handbooks and other workforce documentation.
• Managing employment complaints, investigations, disputes and litigation, and instructing and supervising external counsel where required.
• Supporting workforce change initiatives, including restructures, redundancies, and the employment aspects of corporate and asset transactions.
• Advising on occupational health and safety compliance relevant to data centre operations and site-based teams.
• Reviewing and negotiating HR-related commercial contracts (for example recruitment, staffing, payroll, benefits, immigration and HR technology agreements).
• Partnering with HR and business leaders on day-to-day people matters, and training and upskilling stakeholders on employment law risk.
• Monitoring legislative and case law developments across relevant jurisdictions and updating policies and practices accordingly.
• Contributing to cross-border employment matters across IREN’s United States, Australian and other operations as required.

Requirements

• Qualified to practise law in Canada and in good standing, with admission in British Columbia (or the ability to become admitted).
• At least 8 years’ post-qualification experience in Canadian employment and labour law.
• In-house experience preferred, but not essential.
• Strong working knowledge of federal and provincial employment law, particularly British Columbia.
• Experience advising on both corporate/white-collar and operational/blue-collar workforces desirable.
• Experience reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts, particularly HR-related agreements.
• Exposure to cross-border or multi-jurisdictional employment matters (United States and/or EMEA) advantageous.
• Excellent judgement and commercial acumen, with the ability to translate complex legal issues into practical business advice.
• Able to work autonomously and manage a broad, varied workload in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, comfortable partnering with HR and business teams.

Benefits

At IREN, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support your health, well-being, and long-term success. Our Canada package for hourly paid positions includes:
 Compensation

• Base salary starting between $210,000 - $230,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and market data for the region.
• Total Compensation package may be inclusive of annual incentive bonus, and equity (long-term incentive)

Health & Wellness

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage – 100% company paid for employees and dependents
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• Voluntary life and critical illness coverage available
• Employee Assistance Program and virtual health care platform 

Financial Well-Being

• RRSP with company match
• Voluntary TFSA

Time Off & Flexibility

• 3 weeks annually for vacation and paid holidays
• Flexible Work Arrangements 

Growth & Development

• Opportunities for advancement and internal mobility
• Training and personal development opportunities

Lifestyle & Culture

• Company events and team-building activities

Pod tech Data Centers Inc., the employing entity and proud member of the IREN Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.  
By applying for this position and submitting your resume and application materials, you consent to the processing of your personal information in accordance with our Job Applicant Privacy Statement available on our website at www.iren.com.