Senior Legal Counsel, Employment Litigation in Reading

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.

Position: Senior Legal Counsel, Employment Litigation – a key role within the Legal, Regulatory Affairs, Ethics & Compliance, and Secretariat Function (LRECS). The role focuses on managing and running Employment Tribunal claims arising from Centrica Group companies in the UK, reporting to the Head of Legal, Employment.

Location: We work flexibly in line with our Flexible First approach. The successful candidate will need to spend regular time in the office, including weekly travel to our Windsor office and, from the end of the year, our Reading office. Occasional travel to other locations may also be required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and coordinate the implementation of systems/processes and creation of precedents needed to undertake employment litigation in‑house.
• Actively explore and engage with Tech colleagues in the introduction of AI tools and platforms to support the employment litigation process.
• Participate in LRECS trials of AI tools.
• Serve as the subject‑matter expert on Employment Tribunal litigation, maintaining thorough knowledge and understanding of the Employment Tribunal Procedure Rules.
• Manage and deliver all aspects of Centrica’s response to Employment Tribunal claims, including drafting pleadings and witness statements, managing disclosure, preparing risk assessments, making applications, preparing for hearings and mediation, negotiating settlements, liaising with the Employee Relations team and managers, and instructing counsel for hearings.
• Manage a small team comprising an Employment Litigation Counsel and a paralegal (both to be recruited).
• Build relationships with key stakeholders in the People team and keep them apprised of any themes and trends in claims arising from their business area.
• Develop relationships with law‑panel firms that handle claims we cannot keep in‑house.
• Build and manage relationships with counsel’s chambers and negotiate advantageous rates.

Qualifications:

• Qualified solicitor with a UK or equivalent practising certificate and significant relevant PQE experience.
• Thorough and up‑to‑date knowledge and understanding of the UK Employment Tribunal Procedure Rules and significant experience running multiple Employment Tribunal claims in private practice or in‑house.
• Genuine interest in technology and its application to optimise the employment litigation process.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal principles to a variety of internal stakeholders.
• Team‑player capable of managing a small team while working autonomously and handling competing deadlines.
• Confident stakeholder‑management skills and ability to work effectively with other employment lawyers, the Employee Relations team, business leaders, and witnesses.
• Excellent presentation skills and willingness to deliver occasional training.

Benefits:

We prioritise the support of our colleagues across all realities. Life is about more than work; we provide flexibility to choose what you need, when you need it, ensuring financial, physical and emotional support.

Why Should You Apply?

If you’re full of energy, fired up about sustainability, and ready to craft a better tomorrow and a better you, come find your purpose in a team where your voice matters, your growth is non‑negotiable, and your ambitions are our priority. Help us, help you – share any information about yourself throughout our recruitment process so we can better understand you and shape your journey.