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 and workforce solutions company.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, work with senior leaders, and enhance your legal skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-performing legal team and shape employment law services.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with up to 5 years' experience in employment law.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ 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
Legal Counsel (Employment) - FTC 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 as part of a global legal team. With a strong focus on employee development and collaboration, we provide opportunities for growth and exposure to diverse employment law challenges across multiple jurisdictions. Join us to be part of a high-performing team that values innovation and proactive engagement, all while enjoying the benefits of working in a supportive and ambitious culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel (Employment) - FTC in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Oliver James on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your employment law knowledge, especially in areas relevant to Oliver James. Show us you’re not just a legal whiz but also someone who understands our business and its needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your problem-solving skills. We love candidates who can think on their feet and provide practical solutions. Bring examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles.
✨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 our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel (Employment) - FTC in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Legal Counsel (Employment) role. Highlight your experience in employment law and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for employment law and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your skills and fit for the role.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a confident communicator, it's important to showcase this in your application. Use clear and concise language, and make sure to engage us with your writing style. We love seeing applicants who can connect with non-legal stakeholders!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oliver James
✨Know Your Employment Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and changes in employment law, especially those relevant to the jurisdictions Oliver James operates in. Being able to discuss recent cases or legislative updates will show your genuine enthusiasm and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships with non-legal stakeholders in previous roles. This is crucial for the position, so think about times when your communication skills made a difference in understanding complex legal issues.
✨Be Proactive and Solutions-Driven
Oliver James is looking for someone who can take ownership and provide smart, commercial advice. Think of instances where you've identified potential legal risks and proposed practical solutions. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to manage competing priorities.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your judgement and practical approach to risk. Prepare for hypothetical scenarios related to employment law and think through how you would advise stakeholders. This will help you showcase your problem-solving skills and commercial awareness.
