At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on employment issues across the UK and Europe.
- Company: Join QBE, a leading international insurer with a human touch.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, hybrid working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning company that values diversity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive and dynamic legal team.
- Qualifications: Qualified employment lawyer with 7+ years of experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: London, Leeds
Type: Permanent, full time
Happy to consider part-time working.
The Opportunity
We have a fantastic opportunity for a qualified employment lawyer with at least 7 years post qualification experience to join QBE’s in-house Legal Team reporting into the Head of Legal, Employment. In this role you will be required to provide pragmatic and effective legal advice and support to the People function and the business in the UK and across Europe. This will encompass advising on a wide variety of employment issues including but not limited to:
- Disciplinaries and grievances
- Recruitment
- Restructures and organisational changes
- Contractual issues and reviews
- Policies
- Compensation and benefits
- Business transfers and service provision changes
- Redundancies
- Negotiated exits
- Regulatory issues
Having the right to work in the UK is a requirement for this role. QBE may consider sponsorship at its discretion.
About QBE
At QBE, we get to the heart of what matters for our customers. And we do it all with a human touch. We’re an international insurer with more than 13,000 people working across 26 countries – which means we’re big enough for your ambitions, yet small enough for you to make a real impact. It’s an exciting time. We’re building momentum towards our vision to become the most consistent and innovative risk partner.
What if you could have a positive impact – at work and in the world? As part of the QBE team, you’ll get to spend every day working with people who are passionate, talented and kind.
About you
- Be a qualified employment lawyer with at least 7 years post qualification experience (experience with advising regulated financial services entities a plus).
- Possess a thorough understanding of UK employment law (experience or an interest in European employment law issues a plus).
- Think analytically and pragmatically and provide commercial, effective and proactive advice and guidance.
- Have the confidence to act independently, take decisions and challenge the business where necessary.
- Have strong interpersonal skills, an enthusiasm for the job you do, and a sense of humour.
- Be able to foster and develop relationships with key stakeholders.
- Be able to organise and prioritise workload and work under time pressures and deadlines.
Benefits
We offer a range of benefits to help provide holistic support for your work life, whatever your circumstances. As a QBE employee you will have access to and benefit from:
- 30 days holiday a year with the option to buy up to 2 additional days.
- Hybrid working - We offer a hybrid working 2/3 days a week in the office.
- Pension – you are automatically enrolled into the QBE pension plan, which entitles you to receive employer contributions of 10% of your basic salary.
Awards & Recognition
We value our employee’s experience with us and are proud to have been recognised for the following awards:
- Insurance Post British Insurance Awards 2025: Winner: Commercial Lines Insurer of the Year, Winner: Reinsurer of the Year - QBE Re, Winner: ESG, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year, Winner: Insurance Personality of the Year - Chris Wallace, Executive Director UK insurance.
- AXCO Global Insurance Awards 2024 Winner: Network Management of the Year.
- Insurance Business UK 5-Star Cyber Awards 2024: QBE rated as a 5-Star Cyber Insurer.
Skills
- Coaching for success
- Commercial Acumen
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Influencing
- Intentional collaboration
- Legal Consulting
- Legal Risk
- Litigation Management
- Managing performance
- Navigating ambiguity
- Process Improvements
- Regulatory Compliance
- Stakeholder Management
- Strategic Thinking
How to Apply
To submit your application, click "Apply" and follow the step by step process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
QBE is an equal opportunity employer and is required to comply with equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction it operates. Apply now and let’s make it happen!
Senior Legal Counsel – Employment Law in Leeds employer: QBE Europe
At QBE, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values the contributions of every team member. With access to comprehensive benefits, including 30 days of holiday and a generous pension plan, our employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance while working in a dynamic environment that fosters professional growth and development. Join us in London or Leeds, where you can make a meaningful impact alongside passionate colleagues in a company recognised for its commitment to diversity and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel – Employment Law in Leeds
✨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 former colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have a lead on your next big opportunity.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with professionals already working in roles you’re interested in. This is a great way to learn about the company culture and get insider tips on what they look for in candidates. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the field!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Don’t just wait for job openings; create your own opportunities! Write articles or blog posts about employment law topics that interest you. Share them on social media to demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the field. It’s a great way to get noticed!
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, make sure to apply through our website. It streamlines the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel – Employment Law in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Legal Counsel role. Highlight your relevant experience in employment law and any specific achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about employment law and how your skills match what we're looking for. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a bit of personality!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your qualifications; showcase your experience in handling employment issues. Whether it's disciplinaries, grievances, or restructures, give us examples of how you've navigated these challenges successfully.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right people quickly. Let’s make this happen together!
How to prepare for a job interview at QBE Europe
✨Know Your Employment Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on UK employment law, especially the nuances that relate to the role. Familiarise yourself with recent case law and any changes in legislation that could impact the business. This will show your depth of knowledge and readiness to provide effective legal advice.
✨Prepare Real-World Scenarios
Think of specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated complex employment issues. Be ready to discuss how you approached disciplinaries, restructures, or contractual reviews. This will demonstrate your practical skills and ability to think analytically.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be prepared to discuss how you've built relationships in previous roles. Highlight your communication style and how you’ve influenced decisions while maintaining a sense of humour – it’s all about connecting with people!
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, the legal team’s dynamics, and how they handle employment law challenges. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your values and work style.
