At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert employment law advice and support recruitment activities across a global business.
- Company: Join Oliver James, a dynamic global recruitment firm with a collaborative legal team.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, work closely with senior leaders, and enhance your legal skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in innovative legal projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-visibility role within a growing international company.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with up to 5 years' experience in employment law.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
As the Legal Counsel (Employment) (FTC - Maternity Cover) for Oliver James, you will join the Oliver James Legal Team as part of its Employment Law Service, reporting directly to the Head of Employment Law and Employee Relations. As a global business with staff in 12 countries, focused on providing recruitment and workforce solutions, employment law is fundamental to OJ and this is an opportunity to have a real impact as part of a centralised Group Legal Team working across the global Oliver James business, including the US, APAC and across Europe.
This opportunity is ideal for a confident, ambitious employment lawyer who is keen to take ownership, build relationships with stakeholders, and make a tangible impact. We are looking for someone pragmatic and solutions-driven, with strong fundamentals and a genuine enthusiasm for employment law work. The Legal Counsel (Employment) will support in providing smart, commercial, value-driven, quality employment law advice, including for both Oliver James's internal employees and as part of its business recruitment activities.
Working closely with the senior members of the Legal team, including the Head of Employment Law and Employee Relations, you will gain exposure to the full spectrum of employment law across the business and contribute to building a modern, high-performing Employment Law Service that is closely aligned to business priorities. The Legal Team was short-listed for in-house legal team of the year 2025 and is looking for bright and dynamic people to help us build on that success.
What we're looking for:
- Fixed term contract - up to 12 months (maternity cover)
- Qualified solicitor (or equivalent) with up to c.5 years' post-qualification experience in employment law
- Strong grounding in advising on contentious and non-contentious employment law
- Keen interest in developing expertise in other jurisdictions
- Commercially aware, with good judgment and a practical approach to risk
- Confident communicator who can engage effectively with non-legal stakeholders
- Proactive, organised, and comfortable managing competing priorities
- Collaborative team player who enjoys working closely with colleagues across functions
- Interest in improving processes, and legal operations
Key responsibilities:
- Support the Employment Law Service on employment law matters relevant to the Oliver James business recruitment activities and internal workforce. This will include advising senior Group stakeholders (Executive and Directors) and being a trusted advisor to the People Team
- Support the development and refinement of templates, policies, contractual documents and guidance materials
- Assist in identifying and escalating legal risks in line with Group frameworks
- Work with external counsel where required, supporting efficient and cost-effective engagement
- Contribute to legal projects and continuous improvement initiatives within the team
- Build strong working relationships across the business to ensure Legal is seen as a trusted and accessible partner
- Take a proactive approach in horizon-scanning and the identification of employment law updates; proactively identifying and guiding the Oliver James business in response to regulatory and legislative change
- Support (where needed) on the preparation and negotiation of client commercial contracts
- Seek opportunities to impact the development of the Oliver James Legal Team members and share knowledge with the wider business
Why This Role?
- High visibility within a growing global business
- Direct exposure to senior leadership
- Broad employment law experience across jurisdictions
- Opportunity to shape how the Employment Law Service supports the business as it scales
Global Employment Counsel - 12-Month Maternity Cover in Manchester employer: Oliver James
Oliver James is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Manchester where you can make a significant impact on global employment law matters. With a strong focus on employee growth and collaboration, the company provides opportunities to engage with senior leadership and develop expertise across various jurisdictions, all while being part of a high-performing legal team recognised for its excellence. Join us to be part of a supportive culture that values innovation and proactive problem-solving.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Employment Counsel - 12-Month Maternity Cover in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend legal events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect job or can introduce you to someone at Oliver James.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in your job search. Don’t just wait for roles to be advertised; reach out directly to companies you’re interested in, like Oliver James. A friendly email expressing your interest can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their approach to employment law and think about how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Oliver James team.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Employment Counsel - 12-Month Maternity Cover in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Employment Law:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for employment law shine through! We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the work you'll be doing with us at Oliver James.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in employment law. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences are easy to spot. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oliver James
✨Know Your Employment Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on both contentious and non-contentious employment law. Be prepared to discuss recent developments in the field, especially those that could impact a global business like Oliver James. This shows your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Since this role involves advising senior stakeholders, think of examples where you've successfully communicated complex legal concepts to non-legal teams. Practise articulating these experiences clearly, as it will demonstrate your ability to build relationships and be a trusted advisor.
✨Be Proactive and Solutions-Driven
Oliver James is looking for someone who can take ownership and drive initiatives. Prepare to discuss how you've identified legal risks in previous roles and the proactive steps you took to mitigate them. This will highlight your practical approach to risk management.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
This position requires a team player who enjoys working closely with colleagues. Think of examples where you've collaborated across functions to achieve a common goal. Emphasising your teamwork skills will show that you're a good fit for their dynamic environment.
