In-House - Senior Labor & Employment Counsel

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our client is a leading  retailer with over 100 years in the industry. Their company operates approximately 500 retail locations across 30 states.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

As Senior Employment Counsel, you will serve as in-house counsel for our client. You will partner with our Chief Legal Officer and SVP-HR, working closely with our Human Resources and Store Operations teams to provide legal advice on a range of employment law matters. Your in-house expertise in retail or other multi-state, multi-location businesses will be crucial as the legal expert in areas including hiring processes, compensation, employee relations, discipline, termination, accommodations, leaves of absence, employee benefits, and discrimination issues at both federal and state levels. Success in this role will be measured by your ability to develop, train, and implement effective processes and policies that foster legal compliance while minimizing risk.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide proactive and practical advice to the HR team and internal business partners on various employment issues
• Monitor and stay current with federal, state, and local employment, benefit, and compensation laws and regulations
• Provide leadership on the implementation of a new Scheduling, Timekeeping & Attendance module for retail store employees
• Serve as a key member of the HR leadership team, collaborating on HR strategy and compliance
• Draft and maintain employment policies and training materials
• Work with key business partners to prioritize action plans in response to current and impending laws and regulations
• Identify trends in non-compliance and potential areas of risk; develop and implement corrective action plans
• Manage employment litigation, agency matters, and health and safety initiatives
• Develop best practices for wage and hour, retention, and other employment-related record keeping
• Provide direct support on labor and employment matters affecting stores, distribution centers, and corporate locations
• Collaborate with in-house experts and external legal counsel to achieve business goals while adhering to applicable laws
• Conduct compliance audits
• Partner with HR and Operations to implement training programs for regulatory compliance

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to identify, explain, and balance complex issues and legal risks in a practical manner
• Build relationships with business partners, senior leaders, and external counsel
• Work collaboratively with a results-driven attitude
• Provide practical counsel, find alternative solutions, and hold the line when warranted
• Work on multiple mission-critical projects with minimal supervision
• Detail-oriented, resourceful, adaptable, organized, and cost-conscious problem solver
• Proven experience as a successful negotiator/mediator
• Sound judgment and strategic thinking in all legal matters
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active bar membership
• Extensive experience in labor and employment law; California employment experience a plus
• 5-10 years of relevant experience, preferably with in-house and/or law firm background
• Prior experience working directly with HR departments and supporting people initiatives
• Strong knowledge of U.S. multi-jurisdictional employment laws
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to travel if necessary (less than 10%)
• Position is based in a major Southeastern city with hybrid work arrangement (4 days in office, 1 remote)
• Local candidates preferred