Employment Counsel

At Keywords Studios we are using our passion for games, technology and media to create a global services platform for the video games and entertainment industries. Our aim is to become the “go to” provider of technical and creative services across a variety of service lines. We enable leading content creators and publishers to leverage our expertise and capacity across the lifecycle of interactive content. In doing so, we empower our clients to remain lean and agile and to focus on creating the most engaging experiences.

Keywords Studios now has an exciting opportunity for an Employment Counsel to be a part of its growing and dynamic Legal team. As Employment Counsel, you will provide comprehensive legal support to our expansive global HR and Executive teams, ensuring compliance, standardisation, and strategic advice across the workforce. You will play a pivotal role in coordinating global legal requirements, managing employment disputes, drafting and revising HR-related documents, and fostering key relationships with internal stakeholders. This position requires strong analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.

Key Responsibilities and Activities:

• Support and provide guidance to the group generally in relation to a broad range of employment matters, including the contentious and advisory aspects of the employment relationship.
• Provide dedicated day-to-day legal advice and support to the global HR teams.
• Provide strategic employment law guidance to C-suite executives and board members.
• Draft and revise the group’s HR related template documents, including employment agreements, severance agreements, employment policies, employee handbooks and other employment related documents.
• Advise the organisation in relation to employment related disputes and claims, including by managing employment related litigation and pre-litigation matters with internal stakeholders and outside counsel.
• Assist the Corporate Development / M&A team with HR due diligence.
• Draft directorship and senior executive agreements.
• Advise on topics such as recruitment, performance issues, disciplinary proceedings, terminations, employment status, leaves of absence, discrimination, harassment, whistleblowing and employee investigations.
• Support the review and development of HR training, including in relation to DEIB, anti-harassment and anti-discrimination.
• Advise on, and coordinate responses to, jurisdictional and regional specific legal requirements and industry best practices.
• Partner with HR, the wider Legal team and various other departments and stakeholders on employment related matters generally.
• Assist in developing policies and training materials and provide training to employees on employment related obligations, to further develop the organisation’s HR practices globally.
• Collaborate with external counsel and consultants as needed to address complex HR issues and ensure legal compliance.

Qualifications:

• Qualified lawyer (Ireland or UK) with strong academic credentials.
• Minimum of 5+ years’ post-qualification experience at a top-tier law firm or a multinational organisation’s in-house team.
• In-depth knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
• Experience in advising multinational organisations on HR matters.
• Experience working independently and as part of cross-functional teams in a fast paced environment.
• Excellent project management skills and strong attention to detail.
• Knowledge of GDPR and data privacy obligations as they relate to employment matters.
• Creative and innovative thinking with a view to balancing commercial demands against legal risk.
• Strong work ethic, a self-starter, and accountable.
• Ability to communicate professionally, effectively and persuasively, including by explaining potentially complex topics succinctly to internal stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills with the ability to work effectively with others at all levels of the organisation.
• Commitment to uphold Keywords Studios' values and contribute to a positive working culture.
• Fluent in written and spoken English (additional languages are an advantage but not required).

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave + UK Bank Holidays
• Private Medical and Dental cover
• Group Income Protection
• Group Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Enhanced Employer Pension Contributions
• Cycle Scheme
• Tech Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• Discretionary Bonus Scheme

Keywords Studios is dedicated to following a well-established Equal Opportunities Policy. We are an equal opportunities employer, and endeavor to create a diverse workplace which offers equal opportunities to all employees and potential employees.