Corporate & Regulatory Compliance Counsel

Job Description:

Here at Rakuten Kobo Inc. we offer a casual working start-up environment and a group of friendly and talented individuals. Our employees rank us highly in terms of commitment to work/life balance. We realize that for our people to be innovative, creative and passionate they need to feel valued and supported. We believe in rewarding all our employees with competitive salaries, performance based annual bonuses, stock options and training opportunities.

If you’re looking for a company that inspires passion, personal, and professional growth – join Kobo and come help us on our mission of making reading lives better.

The Role:

Rakuten Kobo is seeking a highly motivated, proactive, and detail-oriented Corporate and Regulatory Compliance Specialist to join our dynamic legal team in Toronto. This is an exciting opportunity to play a critical role in ensuring Kobo's continued adherence to a complex and evolving global regulatory landscape. Working closely with the General Counsel and the in-house legal team, you will be instrumental in safeguarding Kobo's operations and reputation across our international markets, directly contributing to our global success and growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Global Regulatory Monitoring & Analysis:

• Proactively monitor and analyze new and evolving global legislation and regulations impacting Rakuten Kobo's operations, with a focus on areas such as e-commerce, content distribution, consumer protection, and financial services (excluding hardware device compliance laws and regulations, and privacy-related legislation).
• Develop and present concise summaries and actionable recommendations for the legal team and relevant business stakeholders regarding potential impacts and required adjustments.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of current and anticipated regulatory trends in key operational jurisdictions.

Corporate Filings & Subsidiary Compliance:

• Manage and oversee corporate filings for Rakuten Kobo's subsidiaries worldwide, ensuring timely, accurate, and complete submission to relevant authorities.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with local corporate governance requirements, business registrations, and other statutory obligations for all international entities.
• Act as a central point of contact for external legal counsel regarding local compliance matters in various jurisdictions.
• Assist with the establishment and dissolution of corporate entities as needed.

Rakuten Internal Compliance & Reporting:

• Ensure Rakuten Kobo's adherence to all Rakuten Group internal compliance policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
• Act as the primary liaison with the Rakuten Group company compliance function regarding compliance training, initiatives, and reporting.
• Prepare and submit regular compliance reports to Rakuten Group as required.

Cross-Functional Coordination:

• Coordinate with internal hardware product compliance specialists to ensure a holistic approach to Kobo's overall regulatory compliance efforts.
• Collaborate effectively with the General Counsel and the in-house legal team on various legal projects and initiatives as needed.
• Assist in the development and implementation of internal compliance policies and procedures.
• Maintain organized records and documentation related to compliance activities.

The Skillset:

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Business Administration, or a related field. A Juris Doctor (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is a strong asset.
• 4-6 years of progressive experience in a corporate compliance, regulatory affairs, or in-house legal counsel role, preferably within a global organization.
• Proven experience in monitoring and interpreting complex legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience with corporate secretarial duties, corporate filings, and managing subsidiary compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
• Strong understanding of global e-commerce laws and consumer protection regulations.
• Excellent research, analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, concise business advice.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently, proactively manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced, international environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Why Kobo:

• Be part of a global company that is passionate about reading and technology.
• Work with a talented and collaborative legal team.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on Kobo's global operations and shape our compliance framework.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment in the heart of Toronto.

The Perks:

• Flexible hours and hybrid remote working environment
• Subsidized in-office lunches
• Full benefits starting from your first day
• Paid Volunteer days, unlimited sick days, and 3% RRSP matching
• Monthly commuting allowance for those who are hybrid
• Lifestyle spending account
• Talent and development training budget
• Free Kobo device + free weekly e-book or audiobook
• Weekly Kobo Spark sessions
• Maternity/paternity leave top up
• Dog friendly office

About Rakuten Kobo Inc.
Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo Inc. is one of the most advanced global e-commerce companies, with the world’s most innovative e-reading services offering more than 6 million eBooks and audiobooks to 30 million + customers in 190 countries. Kobo delivers the best digital reading experience through creative innovation, award-winning e-readers, and top-ranking mobile apps. Kobo is a part of the Rakuten group of companies.

Rakuten Kobo Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations for candidates with disabilities participating in the selection process are available on request. Any information received related to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially.

Rakuten Kobo would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this role however only qualified candidates will be shortlisted.

Beware of fraudulent job offers claiming to be from Rakuten. Rakuten does not send unsolicited job offers or request money during the recruitment process. Learn more: https://rakutenemploymentalert.com/

#RKIND

Five Principles for Success
Our worldwide practices describe specific behaviors that make Rakuten unique and united across the world. We expect Rakuten employees to model these 5 Shugi Principles of Success.

Always improve, Always Advance - Only be satisfied with complete success - Kaizen
Passionately Professional - Take an uncompromising approach to your work and be determined to be the best
Hypothesize - Practice - Validate – Shikumika - Use the Rakuten Cycle to succeed in unknown territory
Maximize Customer Satisfaction - The greatest satisfaction for our teams is seeing their customers smile
Speed!! Speed!! Speed!! - Always be conscious of time - take charge, set clear goals, and engage your team

Rakuten is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations for candidates with disabilities participating in the selection process are available on request. Any information received related to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially. 

Rakuten would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this role however only qualified candidates will be shortlisted.

Beware of fraudulent job offers claiming to be from Rakuten. Rakuten does not send unsolicited job offers or request money during the recruitment process. Learn more: https://rakutenemploymentalert.com/

At the time of posting, Rakuten expects the Compensation (base salary + discretionary bonus) for this role to be within the range shown below. Individual compensation will vary based on job-related factors, including the skills, qualifications, and experience of the successful candidate as well as business need and geographic location. The successful applicant for this role will be eligible for stock options, health, vision, dental insurance, RRSP matching, Personal Time Off (PTO), Volunteer Time Off (VTO), and other employee benefits as the company implements.

CAD $97,020.00 - 147,020.00 annually