Head of Legal - Employment

Michael Page (UK); Luton; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Consumer & Hospitality brand is seeking a Head of Legal-Employment to advise on complex employment issues and manage legal matters across multiple countries. The ideal candidate will be a qualified solicitor with experience in labor law, responsible for providing strategic guidance to senior management and ensuring compliance with various regulations. A competitive salary and hybrid working arrangements are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Hybrid working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience in a reputable law firm or multinational environment, preferably in-house.
• Ability to advise HR and senior managers on complex employment issues.

Responsibilities

• Advising the business on employment legal matters and implications.
• Managing employment law matters across the Group.
• Developing legally sound policies in labour and employment law.

Skills

Advising on employment legal matters

Developing policies and programs

Risk assessment

Monitoring employment law trends

Education

Qualified Solicitor in the UK

Job description

• Join a large and well-known FTSE listed Consumer & Hospitality Brand.
• Establish the organisation's Employment function.

About Our Client

A renowned FTSE listed Consumer & Hospitality brand with over 35,000 employees across the UK and Europe.

Job Description

The responsibilities for the Head of Legal - Employment include:

• Advising the business, including members of the Executive Committee and senior leaders, on employment legal matters and implications.
• Partnering with the People Function to provide strategic solutions to people-related issues in support of overall strategy, purpose, and values.
• Developing legally sound policies and programs in all areas of labour and employment law.
• Managing employment law matters across the Group, including the UK, Germany, and Ireland.
• Reviewing employee handbooks, employment contracts, service agreements, settlement agreements, and other legal documents regularly.
• Advising on the implementation of legislation, guidance, and case law, including ESG reporting and pay transparency requirements.
• Providing practical, commercial legal advice on contentious employment issues, conducting risk assessments, and developing strategies for legal defence and regulatory responses.
• Maintaining the employment legal risk register and ensuring appropriate stakeholder actions.
• Monitoring trends and changes in employment laws to provide proactive advice.
• Supporting strategic projects by assessing legal implications and advising on risk mitigation.
• Advising on employment immigration matters, including sponsorship and licensing, ensuring compliance.
• Providing guidance on employment aspects of reward schemes, pensions, benefits, and other employee programs.
• Ensuring compliance with human rights and modern slavery regulations.
• Representing the business in external consultations and liaising with external bodies.

The Successful Applicant

Candidates should have:

• Qualified Solicitor in the UK or relevant jurisdiction.
• Experience in a reputable law firm or multinational corporate environment, preferably in-house, specializing in labour and employment law.
• Ability to advise HR and senior managers on complex employment issues.

What's on Offer

A competitive salary and benefits package, along with hybrid working arrangements.