At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert employment law advice and support to various teams across the company.
- Company: Join a leading energy company committed to sustainability and community impact.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and comprehensive support for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values your voice and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and positive change.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with significant experience in employment law and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Join us, be part of more. We’re so much more than an energy company. We’re a family of brands revolutionising how we power the planet. We're energisers. One team of 21,000 colleagues that's energising a greener, fairer future by creating an energy system that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels, whilst living our powerful commitment to igniting positive change in our communities. Here, you can find more purpose, more passion, and more potential. That’s why working here is #MoreThanACareer. We do energy differently - we do it all. We make it, store it, move it, sell it, and mend it.
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Senior Legal Counsel, Employment to join our Legal, Regulatory Affairs, Ethics & Compliance, and Secretariat Function (LRECS). LRECS focusses on providing a diverse and inclusive environment with a strong emphasis on wellbeing and delivering opportunities for growth and personal development.
This role will form part of a team of 3 Employment Lawyers who deliver commercially focused, risk-based specialist employment advice to all UK and Ireland business units and group functions across the Centrica group. It will report to the Head of Legal, Employment and will help to support and develop a more junior team member.
Location: With our Flexible First working arrangements we empower our colleagues to work in a way that best suits them. The successful candidate will, however, need to be comfortable commuting to our Windsor office (until December 2026) and Reading office (from December 2026) on a twice-weekly basis and on some occasions, more frequently.
What will you do?
- Advise the Centrica People and Employee Relations teams on the application of employment law to a range of day-to-day employment matters, including complex grievances and disputes, with the right balance of risk awareness and pragmatism.
- Liaise with and manage external lawyers (UK and international) to deliver high quality, good value support and advice in particular in the UK in relation to Employment Tribunal cases.
- Work with the Centrica Reward and People Operations teams on various issues including terms and conditions of employment, HR policies, Pay transparency and other pay-related issues, advice on benefits and incentive schemes.
- Support Centrica People and Employee Relations teams to prepare for the Employment Rights Act 2025 changes and build HR capability by providing education, training and support on relevant aspects of employment law.
- Provide advice to Legal Commercial, M&A, Procurement and People teams and to lead on non-contentious employment aspects of strategic business arrangements, including tenders, outsourcings (sometimes with complex TUPE implications), as well as reorganisations and redundancies.
- Provide advice to the Industrial Relations team on trade union related issues including industrial action, facilities time and collective bargaining.
- Actively explore/engage with our Tech colleagues on the introduction of AI tools to support the work of the Employment team and participate in any LRECS trials of AI tools.
- Build relationships with key stakeholders in the People team and the wider business.
- Actively engage in LRECS initiatives and activities.
Here's who we’re looking for:
- A Qualified solicitor with a UK or equivalent practicing certificate with significant relevant PQE experience and the confidence to deputise for the Head of Legal, Employment when required.
- An employment law specialist with the expertise and experience required to provide quick, pragmatic and commercially sound advice on all employment issues including large scale outsourcings with TUPE implications.
- The ability to work autonomously and at pace, with competing deadlines.
- Confident and effective stakeholder management and ability to work closely with teams in HR, Reward, Procurement, M&A and other specialist Legal areas.
- A genuine interest in technology and how it might support the work of the Employment team.
- Strong drafting skills.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal principles to a variety of internal stakeholders.
- Excellent presentation skills with the willingness to deliver occasional training.
Why should you apply?
We’re not a perfect place – but we’re a people place. Our priority is supporting all of the different realities our people face. Life is about so much more than work. We get it. That’s why we’ve designed our total rewards to give you the flexibility to choose what you need, when you need it, making sure that you and your family are supported not only financially, but physically and emotionally too.
If you're full of energy, fired up about sustainability, and ready to craft not only a better tomorrow, but a better you, then come and find your purpose in a team where your voice matters, your growth is non-negotiable, and your ambitions are our priority.
Senior Legal Counsel, Employment in Windsor employer: Centrica Plc
Centrica is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to personal development, employees can thrive in their roles while contributing to a greener future. The Senior Legal Counsel, Employment position provides a unique opportunity to engage with diverse teams and influence meaningful change within the organisation, all while being part of a dynamic and innovative legal team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel, Employment in Windsor
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Centrica Plc, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel, Employment in Windsor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Centrica Plc, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Centrica Plc and the specific role of Senior Legal Counsel, Employment. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Centrica Plc’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Centrica Plc
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Centrica Plc.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Centrica Plc.