At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on employment law and support global transformation initiatives.
- Company: Join Philip Morris International, a leader in creating a smoke-free future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, world-class training, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Be part of revolutionary change and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Qualified UK solicitor with experience in employment law and technology-related issues.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Be a part of a revolutionary change! Times are changing at Philip Morris International (PMI). We’ve chosen to do something incredible. The world expects us to act responsibly. We are doing just that by transforming our business and building our future on one clear purpose – to deliver a smoke-free future. This transformation will revolutionize every area of our business: the products we sell, where we sell them, how they’re manufactured and delivered. The way we talk to our customers and engage with society. With huge change, comes huge opportunity. So, you’ll enjoy dreaming up and delivering better, brighter solutions and the space to move your career forward in endlessly different directions.
Role Purpose
You will provide legal advice on all areas of employment law for PMI, combining UK employment law responsibilities (including contracts, TUPE transfers, disputes, policy development and employee relations for PMI in the UK) with an international labor and employment law component. In addition to supporting the UK People & Culture team, this role will contribute to global and cross‑border labor and employment matters, with a particular focus on employee data monitoring, AI‑driven workforce initiatives, and technology‑enabled HR practices. The role will support PMI’s global transformation agenda and responsible deployment of AI and digital tools in the employment context, in collaboration with other members of the legal department.
Location: PMI Global Studio located in London St. Paul’s EC4 (2 days/week) & Hammersmith (1 day/week); hybrid per company policy.
Key Responsibilities
- Employment Advisory – UK & International: Deliver clear, timely advice on the full employment lifecycle for the UK business, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and exits. Provide strategic labor and employment law guidance on international matters, particularly where UK‑led or global initiatives have cross‑border workforce implications. Advise on workforce impacts arising from technology, automation, AI adoption, and digital transformation initiatives, including organizational change and employee communications. Act as the first point of escalation for employment law issues arising in markets or hubs, providing initial guidance and coordinating with regional or local counsel as required.
- AI, Technology & Employee Data Monitoring: Provide labor and employment law support for employee data monitoring programs and AI‑related initiatives (e.g., AI in talent acquisition, HR analytics, monitoring tools), working closely with global stakeholders. Partner with Data Privacy, Information Security, and Technology Legal teams to advise on compliance with global data protection and labor law requirements as they relate to employment practices. Support the development, review, and implementation of global policies, standards, and governance frameworks relating to AI, monitoring, and technology use in the workplace.
- Employee Relations & Disputes: Advise on employee relations matters, investigations, and disputes both in the UK and, where required, in an international context. Manage pre‑action disputes, Employment Tribunal cases, and develop litigation strategies, including drafting, negotiation, settlement, advocacy, and stakeholder communication. Coordinate and advise on contentious and non‑contentious matters, including settlement agreements and dispute resolution, in collaboration with the UK’s People & Culture team. Support risk mitigation strategies for high‑risk or high‑visibility employment matters linked to AI use, digital tools, or data processing.
- Organisational Change & Cross‑Border Projects: Support restructurings, redundancies, and TUPE processes in the UK, including documentation and stakeholder engagement, and provide international employment law input to global or regional reorganizations and operating model changes where linked to the UK. Contribute to global P&C projects requiring labor and employment law support, including EU‑driven initiatives, pay transparency, and global workforce programs where required.
- Governance, Compliance & Training: Monitor legislative developments in UK employment law and emerging international labor law frameworks, particularly those affecting AI and digitalization in the workplace. Contribute to internal training and enablement initiatives for People & Culture, Legal, and business stakeholders on employment law risks related to AI, technology, and employee data. Support coordination and alignment with market counsel on international employment law issues, helping to operationalize global guidance locally.
- Stakeholder Partnership & External Counsel: Build trusted relationships with UK and international People & Culture teams, senior leadership, and cross‑functional stakeholders. Coordinate with external counsel in the UK and internationally, as appropriate. Act as a key point of contact for employment law issues linked to AI, monitoring, or technology‑driven workforce change.
Additional Responsibilities
- Provide legal support on global employment and P&C initiatives, in addition to UK responsibilities, as part of cross‑functional project teams.
- Review employment‑law provisions in commercial and procurement contracts where workforce, monitoring, or technology issues are implicated.
- Contribute to the evolution of PMI’s responsible AI and employee data governance frameworks from an employment law perspective.
- Embrace legal technology and innovation, including AI tools, to improve legal processes and outcomes.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Qualified UK solicitor with solid post‑qualification experience (PQE); 4+ years’ experience preferred.
- Strong experience as an employment lawyer, ideally with a mix of in‑house and private practice exposure.
- Demonstrated experience advising on complex employment matters involving data, technology, or digital tools, and an interest in AI‑related workforce issues.
- Experience working in international or matrixed organizations, with exposure to cross‑border employment law issues highly desirable.
About You
- Comfortable operating in a dual‑role environment combining UK employment law responsibilities with international and global projects.
- Strong analytical skills and sound judgement in managing novel or evolving legal risk areas, including AI and employee data.
- Able to translate complex legal and technical concepts into practical, business‑focused advice for diverse stakeholders.
- Intellectually curious, collaborative, proactive, and motivated to work closely with teams across functions, geographies, and cultures.
Why Join Us?
At Philip Morris International, You Will be part of an ambitious team driving significant change in the industry. Work in a dynamic and inclusive environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Have the opportunity to develop your career in numerous directions, with access to world‑class training and development programs. Enjoy a competitive compensation and benefits package. Join us in our mission to deliver a smoke‑free future and make a tangible impact on the world. If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge, we would love to hear from you.
Counsel - Labor & Employment employer: Philip Morris International
Philip Morris International is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to world-class training and development programmes, alongside a competitive compensation and benefits package. Located in the vibrant heart of London, you will be part of a transformative journey towards a smoke-free future, where your contributions will make a meaningful impact on the industry and society.
Contact Detail:
Philip Morris International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Counsel - Labor & Employment
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching PMI’s values and recent initiatives. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission to deliver a smoke-free future. Tailor your answers to reflect how your skills can contribute to their transformation agenda.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to get comfortable with common questions. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s your turn to shine in front of the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to reiterate why you’d be a great fit for PMI.
We think you need these skills to ace Counsel - Labor & Employment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Counsel - Labor & Employment role. Highlight your experience with UK employment law and any international exposure you have. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your qualifications; tell us about specific cases or projects where you’ve successfully navigated complex employment issues. We love seeing real-world examples that demonstrate your expertise in both UK and international contexts.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your legal knowledge and how it relates to AI and technology in the workplace. We appreciate clarity as much as we value creativity!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at PMI!
How to prepare for a job interview at Philip Morris International
✨Know Your Employment Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on both UK and international employment law, especially as it relates to technology and AI. Be prepared to discuss how these laws impact the workplace and how you can provide strategic guidance in this area.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
During the interview, highlight your ability to analyse complex legal issues and translate them into practical advice. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully navigated challenging employment matters, particularly those involving data or technology.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with various teams, so be ready to share instances where you've built strong relationships with stakeholders. Emphasise your experience in cross-functional projects and how you’ve contributed to a collaborative environment.
✨Stay Updated on Legal Developments
Familiarise yourself with recent changes in employment law and emerging trends, especially those related to AI and digitalisation. Being able to discuss current events will show your passion for the field and your commitment to staying informed.
