Senior Legal Counsel – Labour & Employment (EMEA & APAC)
Senior Legal Counsel – Labour & Employment (EMEA & APAC)

Senior Legal Counsel – Labour & Employment (EMEA & APAC)

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Sazerac Company

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 dynamic work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a global company while navigating diverse legal frameworks.
  • Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 7+ years of labour & employment experience in multinational settings.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture focused on professional development and innovative solutions.

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, and 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) employer: Sazerac Company

Sazerac Company is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to thrive in a fast-growing, family-owned business with a rich heritage. With a commitment to professional development, Sazerac provides ample opportunities for growth and advancement, particularly in the Senior Legal Counsel role, where you will play a pivotal part in shaping labour and employment strategies across diverse international markets. Located in key regions such as the UK, Ireland, France, Switzerland, and Australia, Sazerac not only champions compliance and legal excellence but also encourages a collaborative environment that values innovative thinking and employee well-being.
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)

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in labour and 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 your knowledge of EMEA and APAC employment laws. Be ready to discuss how you can navigate complex legal frameworks and provide practical solutions that align with business goals.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio of case studies or examples where you've successfully managed legal risks in a multinational context. This will demonstrate your value to potential employers.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills and experience. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Sazerac.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel – Labour & Employment (EMEA & APAC)

Labour and Employment Law
Multi-Jurisdictional Legal Expertise
Commercial Judgment
Stakeholder Influence
HR Advisory
Employee Relations Management
Litigation Oversight
Employment Contract Compliance
Policy Development
Training Delivery
Cross-Border Employment Management
Regulatory Risk Mitigation
Organisational Design
Workforce Planning

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 jurisdictions. We want to see how your background aligns 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, make sure to highlight instances where you've successfully influenced senior stakeholders or contributed to business strategy.

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 the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

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 the specific legal frameworks relevant to Sazerac's operations in those regions, as this will show your depth of knowledge and readiness to tackle complex issues.

Showcase Your Commercial Acumen

Prepare examples that highlight your ability to balance legal risk with business priorities. Think about situations where you've successfully influenced senior stakeholders or partnered with HR leadership to achieve a common goal—this is key for the role!

Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that put you in real-life scenarios related to employee relations, performance management, or restructures. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies, as this will demonstrate your practical approach to legal challenges.

Demonstrate Your Training Skills

Since the role involves designing and delivering training, be prepared to discuss any past experiences where you've trained HR or business leaders. Highlight how you approached these sessions and the impact they had on mitigating employment risks.

Senior Legal Counsel – Labour & Employment (EMEA & APAC)
Sazerac Company

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