Head of Legal, Employment

FNZ Group; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services group seeks a Legal Lead in Employment Law to head its employment law team. The role involves strategic leadership, team management, and providing comprehensive legal support across global operations. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in employment law and a proven track record of managing legal teams effectively.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years' post-admission experience.
• At least 3 years’ leadership experience in a global company.
• Strong knowledge of global employment regulations.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a team of employment lawyers.
• Provide strategic advice on employment issues.
• Ensure compliance with global employment laws.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic Thinking

Interpersonal Skills

Risk Management

Education

Qualified lawyer/solicitor

Job description

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Legal Lead - Employment Law

We are seeking a highly talented lawyer with proven commercial, employment, and managerial skills to join our global legal team as the Group Head of Employment. This role involves leading our employment law team and working cross-functionally with regional General Counsels. The position reports to our Group General Counsel.

Responsibilities:

• Establish a new dedicated employment legal support function for FNZ's global stakeholders.
• Build and manage a small team of employment lawyers.
• Support the General Counsels worldwide and serve as the main legal contact and trusted advisor to the Group Chief People Officer, regional teams, and key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with external law firms to support global operations.
• Provide strategic advice on employment and related legal issues, including recruitment, payroll, benefits, and employee incentives.
• Draft and advise on employment agreements, policies, severance, confidentiality, and codes of conduct.
• Advise on contentious employment matters, risk mitigation, and employee data requests.
• Identify legal risks in employment practices and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with global employment laws and regulations.

Qualifications:

• Qualified lawyer/solicitor with excellent academic credentials from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of 10 years' post-admission experience in a reputable law firm or as in-house counsel.
• At least 3 years’ leadership/management experience in a global company.
• Strong knowledge of global employment regulations.
• Exceptional leadership and managerial skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker capable of providing pragmatic, risk-based advice.
• Innovative, independent decision-maker.
• Experienced in working with cross-functional teams across multiple jurisdictions.
• Proactive in identifying issues, evaluating risks, and proposing solutions.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects.