At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal strategy for labour and employment across EMEA & APAC, advising on complex issues.
- Company: Join Sazerac, a family-owned company with a rich history and award-winning spirits.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, growth opportunities, and a chance to shape global HR practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while navigating diverse legal frameworks.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 7+ years of labour & employment experience in multinational settings.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on innovation and compliance across international markets.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Sazerac Company has thrived as an independent, American family‑owned company with operations in the United States and around the world. Sazerac Company produces and markets award‑winning bourbons and whiskeys, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, Traveller, and Sazerac Rye, along with many popular brands across a range of spirits.
The Senior Counsel – Labour & Employment (EMEA & APAC) will serve as a trusted advisor to HR and business leadership, leading labour and employment legal strategy across a complex, multi‑jurisdictional environment. This role will own the delivery of pragmatic, commercially focused legal guidance across the full employee lifecycle—from hiring through separation—supporting Sazerac’s continued growth across key international markets including the UK, Ireland, France, Switzerland, and Australia.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead labour and employment legal strategy across EMEA & APAC, advising on complex, multi‑jurisdictional issues and aligning regional practices with global business objectives.
- Act as a key advisor to HR leadership on workforce planning, organizational design, restructures, and reductions in force, including managing legal risk and execution requirements.
- Provide expert guidance on employee relations matters, including performance management, disciplinary actions, terminations, and sensitive workplace investigations.
- Oversee employment‑related litigation and disputes, partnering with external counsel across multiple jurisdictions to drive effective outcomes.
- Advise on employment contracts, policies, and compliance frameworks, ensuring alignment with local legal requirements and global standards.
- Support global HR initiatives, including immigration/visa considerations, mobility, and benefits structures, with a focus on risk mitigation and operational feasibility.
- Develop and implement scalable employment policies, templates, and playbooks to drive consistency and efficiency across regions.
- Design and deliver training to HR and business leaders to proactively mitigate employment risk and enable confident decision‑making.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Qualified lawyer in England & Wales (or equivalent common law jurisdiction).
- Minimum 7+ years of labour & employment experience, including significant in‑house experience within a multinational organization.
- Strong commercial judgment with the ability to balance legal risk and business priorities in fast‑paced environments.
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and partner effectively with HR leadership.
- Deep experience advising HR teams across EMEA and APAC jurisdictions, including navigating diverse and complex legal frameworks.
- Demonstrated experience managing cross‑border employment matters, including restructures, terminations, and regulatory risk.
- Experience overseeing employment litigation and working with external counsel internationally.
Senior Legal Counsel – Labour & Employment (EMEA & APAC) in Kingston upon Thames employer: Sazerac Company
Contact Detail:
Sazerac Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel – Labour & Employment (EMEA & APAC) in Kingston upon Thames
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in labour and employment law. They might know about opportunities at Sazerac or can give you insider tips on the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of EMEA and APAC employment laws. We want to see that you can navigate complex legal frameworks and provide practical solutions, so be ready to discuss real-life scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your commercial judgement! During interviews, highlight how you've balanced legal risks with business priorities in past roles. This will demonstrate that you understand the bigger picture and can contribute to Sazerac's growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the Sazerac team and contributing to our exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel – Labour & Employment (EMEA & APAC) in Kingston upon Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Legal Counsel role. Highlight your experience in labour and employment law, especially in EMEA and APAC regions. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Sazerac. Share specific examples of how you've navigated complex legal issues and supported HR teams in the past.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: We’re looking for someone who can balance legal risk with business priorities. In your application, give us examples of how you've influenced senior stakeholders and contributed to business growth through your legal expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Sazerac.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sazerac Company
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest labour and employment laws across EMEA and APAC. Familiarise yourself with Sazerac's operations in these regions, as well as any recent legal developments that could impact their business. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in how your expertise can benefit them.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you've balanced legal risks with business priorities in previous roles. Use specific examples where your legal advice led to successful outcomes for the company. This will demonstrate your ability to think commercially and strategically, which is crucial for the Senior Counsel role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle complex, multi-jurisdictional issues or sensitive employee relations matters. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and outline your approach. This will help you articulate your thought process clearly and show that you can navigate tricky situations effectively.
✨Engage with HR Leadership Insights
Since this role involves advising HR leadership, come prepared with insights on workforce planning and organisational design. Discuss trends you've noticed in the industry and how they might apply to Sazerac. This will highlight your proactive mindset and your readiness to contribute to their strategic goals.