Senior Counsel for Employment Law
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Counsel to join our team in EMEA.
About the Role
* This senior counsel position requires expertise in employment law, particularly in Germany and Switzerland, with a focus on providing guidance to HR and business stakeholders.
* The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in advising on various employment-related matters, including employment agreements, works council relations, collective actions, discrimination, counseling, disciplinary actions, documentation, terminations, investigations, wage and hour compliance, compensation, and payroll.
Your Responsibilities
1. You will manage the review and triage of employment law guidance requests from external counsel across EMEA, ensuring timely and accurate responses.
2. As a strategic legal advisor, you will provide guidance on organizational change initiatives, such as restructurings, transitions of external service providers, workforce planning, and digital transformation projects.
3. Overseeing employee terminations, organizational reorganizations, and other workforce-related measures, including social selection processes.
4. Supporting the company's response to crisis situations, such as strikes, workplace conflicts, or regulatory audits.
5. Leading negotiations and engagement with works councils in close collaboration with Employee Relations and Industrial Relations professionals.
6. Advising the HR team on developing, reviewing, and updating HR policies, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
7. Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of employment law developments across the region and communicating this information to HR and Legal stakeholders.
8. In litigation matters, managing external counsel and representing the company directly when necessary.
9. Designing and delivering training sessions for HR, managers, and employees on key employment law topics.
Required Skills and Qualifications
* A minimum of 8 years' applicable legal experience with a focus on German employment law.
* Licensed to practice law with active bar membership in Germany.
* First and second German state exams required.
* Preferably including at least 3 years as in-house counsel.
* Significant experience advising on employment law in Switzerland, UK, France, or other European countries is preferred.
* Strong negotiating and drafting skills, communication, and stakeholder influencing skills, business acumen, and judgment are essential.
Benefits
This role offers a unique opportunity to work with a leading organization and contribute to shaping employment law practices across EMEA. The ideal candidate will be part of a dynamic team and enjoy a competitive remuneration package.
Other Opportunities
The successful candidate will have the chance to develop their skills and expertise through ongoing training and professional development opportunities. They will also be part of a collaborative and supportive team environment.