This is a high-impact role that requires deep expertise in employment law, and the ability to work closely with colleagues across a variety of teams including Data Protection, Finance, HR, Comms, Policy and Payroll.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Provide expert legal advice and guidance on employment laws and regulations, with a focus on the Americas.
- Support on day-to-day HR queries; this role will be the go-to person for legal support on HR matters in the relevant markets.
- Advise the business on restructuring and redundancy proposals.
- Assist with global diversity, equity and inclusion matters.
- Monitor, assess, and interpret legal and regulatory developments affecting the business, including horizon scanning for future changes and developing strategy to mitigate legal risks.
- Work alongside the HR team to design and implement compliant and business-aligned policies, practices and handbooks.
- Assist with immigration queries to support HR management of business visas and travel.
- Advise on the design and implementation of incentives and compensation matters.
- Support the business with new location launches and exits where relevant.
- Advise on employment matters for M+A activity, including post acquisition integration.
- Advise on employee relations issues, including performance management, investigations, discipline, and terminations.
- Where applicable, lead workplace investigations.
- Manage employment-related claims and litigation, including working with external counsel as necessary.
- Develop and deliver training for HR, managers, and other stakeholders on employment law topics and best practices.
- Manage budgets and external legal spend, supporting management in assessing and reducing legal spend where possible.
- Use AI tools and support the business use of AI, developing appropriate employment legal guardrails.
- Assess risk and escalate relevant issues to more senior members of the Legal team.
WHO YOU ARE
- Strong academic background with ability to practice law in the US.
- Significant legal experience, including experience at a law firm; this is a senior role and so appropriate post qualification experience is required and in-house experience would be desirable but is not essential.
- Extensive knowledge of international employment law and practices, including proven experience advising on cross-border employment issues and matters outside of the US.
- Experience advising on immigration and incentive matters is desirable, or a willingness to upskill and take responsibility for these areas.
- Exceptional attention to detail and organisational skills, with a track record of working efficiently and getting things done.
- Strong judgment and problem-solving skills with the ability to balance legal risks with business needs.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain complex legal issues in simple terms and report issues to multiple different stakeholders.
- Proven ability to lead projects, work independently, prioritise multiple tasks, and collaborate effectively across teams and geographies.
- Experience managing outside counsel and legal budgets effectively.
- A genuine interest in developing as a rounded international employment lawyer.