Strategic Global Employment Counsel

Smiths Group plc; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Smiths Group plc is seeking a senior Associate General Counsel, Employment to lead the Group’s employment-law function, spanning UK and international matters (excluding the U.S.). You will advise on risk, governance, policy development and strategic workforce initiatives across multiple jurisdictions.

You will influence HR and business leadership, manage external counsel budgets, and drive capability-building within the team while ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory changes.

Qualifications

• In-house employment litigation experience in international business.
• Minimum 6+ PQE in English employment law.
• Experience advising cross-border workforce matters.

Responsibilities

• Act as the Group’s dedicated employment-law expert, delivering risk-based, commercially practical advice to Group and Divisional stakeholders.
• Lead on material employment disputes and coordinate with internal and external counsel as needed.
• Support HR and Legal in developing the People strategy, policies and governance frameworks.
• Advise on significant workforce matters including restructurings, transformation and executive employment issues.
• Develop and update policies, templates and training to reduce employment risk across the Group.

Skills

Employment law

Cross-border advisory

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Legal research

Education

Qualified English solicitor or barrister

Law degree

Tools

Microsoft Copilot

Job description

Smiths Group plc is seeking a senior Associate General Counsel, Employment to lead the Group’s employment-law function, spanning UK and international matters (excluding the U.S.). You will advise on risk, governance, policy development and strategic workforce initiatives across multiple jurisdictions.

You will influence HR and business leadership, manage external counsel budgets, and drive capability-building within the team while ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory changes.