At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on employment law and manage litigation risks.
- Company: Join Optical Express, the UK's leading provider of private eyecare services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive legal team in a growing business with UK-wide travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while supporting exceptional patient care.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 5 years' PQE in Employment Law and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location – Glasgow City centre (Office based)
Working Pattern – Full or Part time with flexible working options
Travel – UK wide travel required
Optical Express is the UK's leading provider of laser eye surgery, lens replacement, and private eyecare services. With a nationwide network of clinics and over a thousand employees, we are committed to delivering exceptional patient care supported by robust legal, ethical, and operational standards.
As our organisation continues to grow, we are seeking a skilled Employment Lawyer to join our in-house legal team.
Role Overview
The Employment Lawyer will act as a key legal advisor to the business on all employment law matters, providing high-quality, timely, and commercially focused legal support across the organisation. The role will involve advising on both contentious and non-contentious employment issues, supporting HR with policy development, managing litigation risk, and ensuring the company's people practices remain compliant with UK employment legislation.
This role is suited to a confident, pragmatic lawyer with a minimum of 5 years' post-qualification experience (PQE) in employment law, ideally gained across a combination of private practice and in-house environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Advisory & Compliance
- Provide expert legal advice on a wide range of employment law matters, including disciplinary and grievance issues, absence management, discrimination, TUPE, redundancy, performance management, and employee relations.
- Partner with HR and operational teams to interpret legal obligations and embed best practice people management.
- Draft, review, and maintain employment contracts, HR policies, handbooks, and related documentation.
- Monitor developments in employment legislation and case law, ensuring the business remains compliant and informed.
- Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- Manage Employment Tribunal claims from instruction through to resolution, including drafting pleadings, preparing witness statements, liaising with external counsel, and supporting hearings as required.
- Work proactively with stakeholders to identify legal risk, resolve disputes early, and minimise exposure.
- Projects & Strategic Support
- Provide legal input into strategic HR initiatives, including organisational restructures, TUPE transfers, change programmes, and employee engagement projects.
- Deliver training and legal updates to HR teams and managers.
- Support senior leadership with complex, sensitive, or high-risk people matters.
- Corporate & Commercial Support
- Advise on employment aspects of commercial agreements, consultancy arrangements, and third-party relationships.
- Support due diligence and integration activity linked to acquisitions, partnerships, or wider business development.
Skills & Experience Required
- Qualified Solicitor in Scotland, or England & Wales with a willingness to advise on Scottish employment law (with support where required).
- Minimum of 5 years' PQE specialising in Employment Law.
- Strong technical expertise across contentious and non-contentious matters.
- Proven experience managing Employment Tribunal litigation.
- Commercially minded with the ability to balance legal risk and business objectives.
- Excellent drafting skills and high attention to detail.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Willingness to travel across the UK as required.
Desirable
- Previous in-house experience, particularly within healthcare, retail, or large multi-site organisations.
- Experience delivering training or presenting complex legal concepts to non-legal audiences.
- Working knowledge of data protection and privacy issues in the employment context.
Personal Attributes
- Pragmatic and solutions-focused with a strong commercial mindset.
- Confident, credible, and able to influence at senior levels.
- Resilient and discreet, with high levels of professionalism and integrity.
- Proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable working autonomously within a busy in-house environment.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunities for ongoing professional development.
- A supportive in-house legal team within a dynamic and growing business.
Employment Lawyer – In-house Optical Express in Glasgow employer: Optical Express Group
Optical Express is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Glasgow City centre. With flexible working options and a commitment to employee growth, we provide our team with ongoing professional development opportunities while fostering a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector, where your expertise as an Employment Lawyer will be integral to our mission of delivering outstanding patient care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Lawyer – In-house Optical Express in Glasgow
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Optical Express. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
If you can, set up an informational interview with someone in the company. This is your chance to learn more about the culture and expectations while showcasing your interest and expertise. Plus, it’s a great way to get your name out there!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, make sure to highlight your experience in both contentious and non-contentious employment law. Share specific examples of how you've managed litigation or supported HR initiatives. We want to see that you can bring real value to the team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through the Optical Express website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Lawyer – In-house Optical Express in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Employment Lawyer role. Highlight your relevant experience in employment law, especially any work with HR or litigation. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our in-house team at Optical Express. Share specific examples of your past work that relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As an Employment Lawyer, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly and concisely. This will show us you can effectively partner with HR and other teams.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company!
How to prepare for a job interview at Optical Express Group
✨Know Your Employment Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in employment law, especially those relevant to the healthcare sector. Be prepared to discuss how these changes could impact Optical Express and its operations.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Think of examples where you've successfully managed relationships with HR or senior leadership. Highlight your ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively, as this will be crucial in your role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific employment law scenarios, such as managing a tribunal claim or advising on a redundancy process. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Mindset
Be ready to discuss how you balance legal risks with business objectives. Show that you understand the commercial implications of your legal advice and can provide solutions that support the company's goals.
