Employment Counsel, EMEA (Mid-Senior Level)

ERM (Environmental Resources Management) is a leading global provider of environmental, health, safety, risk, and social consulting services. With operations in over 40 countries and a team of more than 8,000 professionals, ERM partners with clients to address sustainability challenges and deliver innovative solutions that create long-term value. Our work spans diverse industries, helping organizations manage risks, comply with regulations, and achieve their sustainability goals.

Employment Counsel, EMEA will provide legal support to the company’s operations in the EMEA and APAC regions, and specifically the UK, EU and Australia. The candidate will also help the Legal Department to achieve its overall mission of reducing ERM’s risk profile and improving decision-making.

• Supporting the Chief Litigation & Employment Counsel in directly handling – and overseeing outside counsel in cost-effectively handling – employment issues in EMEA and APAC.
• Establishing a cross-functional relationship with HR teams in EMEA and APAC to provide guidance on employee matters and offering employment risk management advice.
• Reviewing and drafting a broad range of employment agreements.
• Researching, monitoring, analyzing, and informing the Legal and HR team of changes in employment regulations, statutes, and guidance.
• Working with outside counsel to address updates in employment regulations and obtaining advice for employee relations matters.
• Providing advice and working directly with Human Resources to develop and update employment policies and templates.
• Supporting M&A work concerning employee integration.
• Developing relationships with external counsel and managing budgets.
• Applying knowledge of industry best practices to identify trends and reduce ERM’s exposure in employment matters.
• Working closely with HR leadership on various employment issues such as non-compete reviews, investigations, separations, claims, and compliance.
• Enforcing ERM’s corporate governance and compliance policies.
• Coordinating with the Company’s insurers and brokers on claims as appropriate.
• Performing other legal duties as directed by the Chief Litigation & Employment Counsel.

• Experience as an employment attorney in jurisdictions including UK, Germany, Italy, France, South Africa, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Romania, Switzerland, Ireland, Kenya, Portugal, Denmark, UAE, and Australia.
• Experience with employment counseling in Asia is desirable.
• Effective negotiation, risk mitigation, and litigation prevention skills.
• Ability to balance independent judgment with collaborative teamwork.
• Excellent time-management skills to handle competing priorities.
• Ability to communicate complex legal information clearly.
• Willingness to work irregular hours as circumstances require.

• Display technical expertise, legal analysis, and business counseling.
• Assist in preparing reports regarding ERM’s claims and litigation history.
• Turn around high-quality work product within appropriate project timeframes.

• Registered to practice law in the UK and one other country (Germany, Italy, France, Netherlands, Spain or Belgium), with at least 6 years post qualification legal experience.
• Legal experience in an international law firm and in-house legal team.
• Understanding of commercial, contract and risk management issues.
• Proven experience delivering legal advice to support business needs.
• Maintain a creative and pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
• Fluent in English, with fluency in another language.
• Must be willing to travel on an ad-hoc basis.
• Must have a suitable environment for working at home.

ERM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We welcome talent from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for every candidate. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to support you.