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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global employment legal matters and shape people-related policies.
- Company: Join The Economist Group, a leader in innovation and insights.
- Benefits: Competitive pension, private health insurance, and flexible work options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employment strategy in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years as a lawyer with strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Other info: Enjoy generous leave, volunteering days, and free access to Economist content.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Who We Are
We are an organisation that exists to drive progress. That’s the “red thread” that connects everyone at The Economist Group (TEG). Our businesses share a devotion to innovation, independence and rigour in their fields of expertise. We empower people to understand and tackle the critical challenges and changes facing the world. Our analytical rigour, global expertise and evidence-based insights enable individuals and organisations to make sense of these shifts and chart a course through them. We deliver analysis and insights in many formats to subscribers and clients in 170 countries through our four businesses, The Economist, Economist Impact, Economist Intelligence and Economist Education, which uphold our global reputation for excellence and integrity.
The role
We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Employment Counsel to join The Economist Group’s Legal team, reporting to the SVP, Legal, and working closely with our People (HR) team. The Lead Employment Counsel will be responsible for leading and managing all employment and people-related legal matters worldwide in the Group, including managing organisational change, shaping and drafting people-related processes and policies, managing employment disputes and contentious matters and providing legal advice on employment matters on a day-to-day basis. The role will also be responsible for ensuring that the Group maintains compliance with new employment laws and requirements, while continuing to uphold its values of trust and transparency.
Responsibilities
- Work with senior management to inform and shape the Group’s people and employment strategy in a manner that is compliant with the Group’s legal obligations.
- Manage employment litigation, disputes and contentious matters globally in coordination with the People team, including settlement agreements, pre-litigation processes and management of external counsel as needed.
- Develop and implement employment policies and processes that ensure compliance with applicable employment laws and align with business objectives and legal requirements.
- Work with senior management to advise and guide on organisational changes.
- Provide clear, high-quality employment law advice and support to the People team and wider business.
- Advise on and manage cross-border employment law issues.
- Advise the People team on employee benefit strategy and related vendor contracting.
- Keep up to date with, and understand, relevant employment laws and regulations globally and advise the business teams in respect of any measures to be implemented.
- Negotiate and review employment agreements, independent contractor arrangements and certain vendor agreements.
- Develop and lead training programmes for the People team and managers.
- Advise on employee data subject access requests (DSAR) and other data privacy matters relating to Group colleagues.
Who You Are
- Admitted as a lawyer in the UK or a relevant EU jurisdiction.
- 5+ years post-qualification experience.
- Ability to collaborate across a People team and business stakeholders on sensitive matters.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including distilling complex legal and technical issues into clear, concise messaging to a wide variety of audiences including executive leadership.
- Exceptional time management, planning, and organisational skills, with strong analytic capabilities.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with proven experience in relationship building and partnering.
AI usage for your application
We are an innovative organisation that encourages the use of technology. We recognise that candidates may utilise AI tools to support with their job application process. However, it is essential that all information you provide truthfully and accurately reflects your own experience, skills, and qualifications.
What We Offer
Our benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance. It includes a highly competitive pension or 401(k) plan, private health insurance, and 24/7 access to counselling and wellbeing resources through our Employee Assistance Program. We also offer a range of lifestyle benefits, including our Work From Anywhere program, which allows you to work from any location where you have the legal right to do so for up to 25 days per year. In addition, we provide generous annual and parental leave, as well as dedicated days off for volunteering and even for moving home. You will also be given free access to all The Economist content, including an online subscription, our range of apps, podcasts and more.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Legal
Industries: Newspaper Publishing
Lead Employment Counsel employer: The Economist
Contact Detail:
The Economist Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Employment Counsel
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those at The Economist Group. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that Lead Employment Counsel role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on employment law trends and the specific challenges facing The Economist Group. Show us you’re not just a legal whiz but also someone who understands our mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you note. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in our minds as we make decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at The Economist Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Employment Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Lead Employment Counsel role. Highlight your relevant experience in employment law and how it aligns with our mission at The Economist Group. We want to see how you can contribute to our innovative and rigorous approach!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since exceptional communication is key for this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to distil complex legal issues into clear messaging. We love seeing candidates who can communicate effectively with diverse audiences, so don’t hold back on showcasing this skill!
Be Authentic: While we encourage the use of AI tools, make sure your application reflects your true self. We value honesty and integrity, so be genuine about your experiences and qualifications. Let us see the real you and how you fit into our culture!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly. Plus, it’s a great way to explore more about our values and what we stand for at The Economist Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Economist
✨Know Your Employment Law Inside Out
As a Lead Employment Counsel, you'll need to demonstrate a solid understanding of employment law. Brush up on the latest regulations and case law relevant to the role, especially those that impact organisational change and compliance. This will show your potential employer that you're not just familiar with the basics but are also proactive in staying updated.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Exceptional oral and written communication skills are crucial for this role. Prepare examples of how you've distilled complex legal issues into clear advice for non-legal stakeholders. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thoughts clearly during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
The role requires working closely with the People team and senior management. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you've successfully collaborated on sensitive matters. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how you've built relationships across different teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle employment disputes or advise on organisational changes. Preparing structured responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help you convey your thought process effectively.
