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 focused on innovation and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive and dynamic legal team.
- Qualifications: Qualified employment lawyer with 7+ years of experience required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ 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.
If you’re looking for a career that combines your expertise and your empathy, click Apply today. Your career. At the heart of it.
Senior Legal Counsel – Employment Law employer: QBE Europe
At QBE, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values your contributions. With access to 30 days of holiday, hybrid working options, and a generous pension plan, we ensure our employees have the resources they need for a balanced work-life experience. Join us in London or Leeds, where you can grow your career alongside passionate colleagues while making a meaningful impact in the world of employment law.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel – Employment Law
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in employment law. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common employment law scenarios. Think about how you would handle specific cases and be ready to discuss your experience with disciplinaries, grievances, and restructures.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! Employers want to see that you’re not just a legal whiz but also someone who can fit into their team. Don’t be afraid to let your sense of humour shine through during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at QBE.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel – Employment Law
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Legal Counsel role. Highlight your 7+ years of experience in employment law and any relevant achievements that showcase your skills in advising on complex employment issues.
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 experience aligns with QBE's values. Don’t forget to mention your interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In your application, demonstrate your analytical thinking and pragmatic approach. Provide examples of how you've successfully navigated challenging legal situations in the past, especially in regulated environments.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at QBE!
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 might affect QBE's operations. 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 for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that require you to think on your feet. Prepare for hypothetical scenarios related to disciplinaries, grievances, or restructures. Practising how you would approach these situations can help you demonstrate your analytical and pragmatic thinking skills during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've built relationships in previous roles. Share specific examples of how your strong communication skills have helped resolve conflicts or foster collaboration within a team.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
QBE values commercial, proactive advice. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve balanced legal considerations with business needs in past roles. Highlight instances where your legal guidance has positively impacted business decisions or outcomes, showcasing your ability to think strategically.
