Employment Lawyer

About the job

About the Opportunity

Our client is a leading US-listed aerospace and defence manufacturer with significant operations across Europe and internationally.

The role has a strong European focus, alongside a broader remit covering Asia and Australia.

You will work closely with senior business leaders and HR teams, providing practical and commercially focused advice across a broad range of employment matters.

Location

The role can be based across the EU or UK and can be up to 100% remote.

Key Responsibilities

You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day employment law support for the company’s international operations outside the US.

The role will cover all aspects of the employer-employee relationship, including recruitment, performance management, dismissals, internal investigations, union and Works Council relations, employee benefits, privacy matters, and learning & development.

• Act as a trusted advisor to business leaders and HR teams on European employment law matters, particularly across France, Germany, the UK and Hungary.
• Manage external counsel on non-US employment matters, including across Europe, Japan, China and Australia.
• Review and update employment policies and procedures in coordination with HR, including employee handbooks, bonus plans, compensation guidelines and severance programmes.
• Ensure offer letters, employment agreements and separation agreements are legally compliant, fit for purpose and aligned with business requirements.
• Manage external counsel on employment litigation, ensuring matters are handled in the best interests of the business.
• Take a solutions-oriented and commercially pragmatic approach, owning issues and driving them through to resolution.
• Keep HR stakeholders informed of significant employment law developments affecting the business or its HR policies across Europe and Asia.
• Operate effectively in an international environment, working with stakeholders across different regions, cultures and legal systems.

International Remit

The role will support employment matters across the organisation’s international operations, with a particular focus on:

• France
• Germany
• UK
• Hungary
• Wider European jurisdictions
• Japan, China and Australia

Candidate Profile

• 8+ years of post-qualification experience as an employment lawyer.
• Law degree and qualification as a lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Strong private practice background, ideally gained within a recognised international law firm.
• In-house experience is advantageous but not essential.
• Experience advising on employment matters across multiple countries.
• Strong commercial judgement and ability to provide pragmatic, risk-based advice.
• Confident working with senior business and HR stakeholders.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• French is a significant advantage.