Assistant General Counsel, Labor & Employment

Company Description

We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

Job Description

The Assistant General Counsel, Labor & Employment NAM will manage Labor & Employment function for the region. Provides legal advice regarding labor and employment law to SGS US and Canadian operations on matters of legal issues and implications concerned with discrimination, sexual harassment, health, and safety, hiring and firing, as well as all other aspects of employee rights and responsibilities. Manages employment claims and litigation.

• Provides labor and employment counseling in all areas of both US federal and state law related to employment issues, such as FLSA, FMLA, ADA, ADEA, EPA, Title VII, OFCCP, and EEOC compliance
• Provides employment counseling under Canadian federal and provincial laws, such as ESA, HRA, and AODA
• Manages employment claims and litigation and internally handles US EEOC, DOL and state equivalent complaints, and HRA complaints in Canada
• Analyzes proposed and established legislation, prepares legal documents, and reviews company policies as they related to labor and employment
• Advises management on legal matters and ensures compliance to protect the company against legal liability
• Works closely with Human Resources, internal business clients, and outside law firms to effectively manage litigation outcomes and implement budgeting and cost controls
• Responsible for internal reporting, tracking, and budgeting of litigated matters
• Directs Paralegals during the provision of employment/labor-related support/subpoena responses
• Participates in special projects where the experience, ability, or expertise of the attorney merits involvement
• Adheres to internal standards, policies and procedures
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• J.D. degree from accredited law school and admission to NJ bar or eligibility for NJ In-house counsel license
• 5 to 10 years as a practicing attorney, preferably with both private practice and in-house experience specializing in the areas of US and Canadian labor and employment law

Licenses/ Certifications

• Licensed to practice law in New Jersey or at least one state within the United States and an attorney in good standing in such jurisdiction

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities

• Language Skills: English – Highest level
• Mathematical Skills: Basic level
• Reasoning Skills/Abilities: Advanced level
• Analytical, problem solving, interpersonal, negotiation and legal reasoning skills
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently with others and coordinate a variety of internal and external activities having legal significance to the Company
• Ability to manage issues and workload independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills

Travel

• Occasional travel required (5%-33%)

Compensation

The expected salary range for this position is $125,000-$175,000 annually. This range represents the minimum and maximum base salary we reasonably expect to pay for this role. Actual compensation within the range will depend on skills, experience, and qualifications.

Our Benefits

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role.

• Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, employee assistance programs.
• Wealth: In addition to base pay, we offer 401(k) with company match (immediate vesting upon enrollment).
• Happiness:
  • Professional Growth: Online training courses, virtual and classroom development experiences, tuition reimbursement program
  • Work-Life Balance: Paid-time off and family leave

In compliance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws, we provide clear and equitable compensation information for all applicants.

Position anticipated to close August 1, 2026.

Additional Information

SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a call back.  Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information, but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.

Information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.