Senior Employment Counsel — Hybrid (CA)

Taco Bell Corp.; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Onsite childcare

Onsite gym

Job summary

Taco Bell is seeking an experienced Employment Attorney to join its Legal Department. This role delivers strategic, business-focused legal counsel on employment, labor, and employee relations matters across the organization.

The successful candidate will be a trusted advisor, partnering with People & Culture, Operations, and leaders to manage risk and support business objectives in a fast-paced environment. Reports to the Senior Director, Legal.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and licensed member in good standing of a State Bar (CA preferred).
• 8+ years of employment law experience with HR and business leaders.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, incl. California.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead for US employment law advisor to People & Culture, Operations, and business leaders, providing strategic counsel on employee relations matters, including investigations, accommodations, leave management, wage and hour issues, performance management, and separations.
• Develop and oversee the company’s traditional labor strategy, including advising on union organizing activity and campaigns, supporting response strategies, and managing outside labor counsel.
• Partner with senior leaders on organizational changes, workforce planning initiatives, restructures, and other high-impact business decisions, balancing legal risk with practical business solutions.
• Lead the company's response to employment-related claims, agency charges, investigations, subpoenas, demand letters, and pre-litigation matters, while managing outside counsel and litigation strategy.
• Develop, review, and implement employment-related policies, procedures, training, and compliance programs that support business objectives and mitigate organizational risk.
• Monitor and advise on federal, state, and local employment law developments, translating legal requirements into actionable guidance and best practices for the organization.
• Act as a recognized subject matter expert and trusted advisor, influencing enterprise-wide employment practices and providing thought leadership on complex workplace issues.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and complex legal projects, building strong relationships across Legal, People & Culture, and business teams to drive alignment and results.
• Mentor and develop junior legal team members and business partners while modeling Taco Bell's Live Más culture and fostering a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach.

Skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Employment law knowledge

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Taco Bell is seeking an experienced Employment Attorney to join its Legal Department. This role delivers strategic, business-focused legal counsel on employment, labor, and employee relations matters across the organization.

The successful candidate will be a trusted advisor, partnering with People & Culture, Operations, and leaders to manage risk and support business objectives in a fast-paced environment. Reports to the Senior Director, Legal.