Global Employment Counsel in Manchester

At Fanatics Commerce, we’re more than just a leader in licensed sports merchandise – we’re a team united by a relentless passion for our fans and a commitment to innovation. We live by our BOLD Leadership principles: We Build Championship Teams, we’re Obsessed with Fans, we embrace a Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit, and we approach every challenge with a Determined and Relentless Mindset. If you’re ready to contribute to a dynamic, fast-paced environment that thrives on collaboration and growth, we want you to be part of our team.

Fanatics Commerce is seeking an experienced and commercially minded solicitor with significant management side employment law experience for its international business based in Manchester. This position is ideal for candidates with demonstrated expertise in UK employment law and a willingness and desire to develop knowledge of employment laws outside the UK. This role reports to the VP Global Labour & Employment Counsel, partnering with the Global People Team to support employment best practices in the UK and across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.

How you will make an impact

• Independently advise on all aspects of employment law, in the UK and the Company’s global locations outside the UK, including discrimination, harassment, wage and hour, restrictive covenants, leaves, accommodations, hiring, dismissals, TUPE, consultations, contracting, labor relations, health & safety, and whistleblower protections.
• Advise on complex HR-related investigations/audits including overseeing third party investigators, supporting internal investigators, and at times personally conducting such investigations.
• Create and present timely training to Human Resources and members of management on a variety of employment related topics.
• Monitor new laws, regulations and decisions affecting the substantive legal areas above and provide strategic advice to company leadership.
• Collaborate with other members of the Global Legal Team, including with respect to issues requiring subject matter expertise.
• Engage and supervise local counsel in jurisdictions outside the UK on employment claims and advice matters when needed until independent local expertise is developed.
• Evaluate employment claims or threats of claims against the business, advising key business leaders on exposure and recommending strategy.
• Respond to demand letters and other threats of employment claims.
• Investigate and respond to disputes raised by ACAS and other enforcement actions.
• Supervise outside counsel on Tribunal claims and other employment litigation matters.
• Create and maintain employment policies compliant with current employment laws and business needs.
• Advise talent team and executive leadership on employment contract negotiations as needed.
• Create and maintain templates for a variety of employment related agreements.
• Draft and negotiate settlement agreements.
• Other responsibilities assigned from time to time.

What you bring to the team:

• 7-10 years post-qualification experience with employment law in the UK at a law firm and/or in-house legal department; employment law expertise in the EU, Asia, Australia and/or the Americas a plus.
• Legal certification from an accredited law school and qualified as a Solicitor in England & Wales.
• Prioritize and balance competing objectives in a fast-paced environment.
• Produce high-quality work product in a timely manner to meet demands of the business.
• Work well both independently and as a team player.
• Think creatively to initiate and develop alternative approaches to complex issues.
• Communicate effectively at all levels of the business.
• Demonstrate a strong sense of integrity and discretion.
• Maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive information.

Where You’ll Work and What’s required:

• Based in Manchester, UK.
• Hybrid office (average 3 days per week in office) with occasional travel outside the UK required.

What’s in it for you:

• Join a team where you’re surrounded by top-tier talent, driven by a shared passion to relentlessly enhance the fan experience.
• With a focus on collaboration, support, and continuous professional development, you’ll be empowered to help shape our culture that celebrates both individual and team successes.
• At Fanatics, we’re dedicated to supporting you in all aspects of work and life; as such we offer a range of competitive benefits tailored to each country in which we operate.