At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on employment law and support HR initiatives.
- Company: Join Virgin Atlantic, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and be part of a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while shaping employee relations.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 5+ years’ experience in UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Hours: Full Time 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday
Location: Crawley, West Sussex (Hybrid) 3 days on site per week in line with hybrid working policy
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 10th June 2026
In a nutshell
This is a rare opportunity to step into a unique employment law role at the heart of Virgin Atlantic. As our Manager Legal Counsel – People Relations, you’ll be a trusted advisor to our People function, senior leadership, and wider business. You’ll bring clarity and confidence to complex employment issues, helping us make decisions that are not only legally sound but also commercially savvy and people focused. From providing fast paced day to day guidance, supporting change projects and new business initiatives, guiding senior hirings and exits to shaping our approach to employee relations for unionised and non-unionised workforces, you’ll ensure we deliver fair, compliant and pragmatic outcomes that support both our people and our purpose.
Day to day
- Provide expert legal advice on UK and international employment law, covering recruitment, contracts, disputes, and terminations.
- Advise on TUPE, business transfers, and industrial relations matters including trade union engagement and collective bargaining.
- Deep understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion and its impact on business considerations.
- Draft and review employment-related agreements such as contracts, settlement agreements, and incentive schemes.
- Lead and manage employment litigation, including tribunal work and engagement with external counsel.
- Partner with HR, Reward, Employee Relations, internal audit and senior leaders to deliver pragmatic, commercially aligned advice.
- Contribute to policy development, governance, and compliance processes, ensuring best practice.
- Support broader corporate and commercial initiatives, adding legal value to strategic projects.
- Share knowledge and develop templates to drive consistency and continuous improvement within the legal team.
About you
- Qualified solicitor in England & Wales (or equivalent jurisdiction) with a strong academic background and ideally 5+ years’ PQE, including significant exposure to UK employment law within a complex, fast-paced organisation.
- Demonstrated experience advising on the full employee lifecycle, including disciplinary, grievance, performance management, absence management, discrimination, whistleblowing, redundancy, restructuring, and senior exits, with the ability to assess both legal and reputational risk.
- Proven expertise managing Employment Tribunal litigation end-to-end, including drafting pleadings, instructing external counsel, developing case strategy, negotiating settlements, and delivering commercially pragmatic outcomes while minimising legal and financial exposure.
- Strong working knowledge of TUPE, collective consultation obligations, industrial relations, and trade union engagement, with experience supporting organisational change programmes, restructures, outsourcing activity, or operational transformation in a unionised or highly regulated environment.
- Demonstrated ability to draft, review, and negotiate employment contracts, settlement agreements, policies, and executive service agreements, ensuring legal compliance alongside alignment to broader business objectives.
- Commercially astute, with the judgement to balance legal robustness against operational realities, enabling leaders to make informed, risk-based decisions at pace.
- Credible and confident operating at senior stakeholder level, with experience influencing leaders through complex or sensitive employee relations matters and building trusted relationships across HR, leadership, and wider business functions.
- A clear and engaging communicator, able to translate complex legal concepts into practical, accessible advice for non-legal audiences, both verbally and in writing.
- Highly organised and delivery-focused, with experience managing a varied caseload, balancing competing priorities, and maintaining high standards of accuracy and responsiveness under pressure.
- Collaborative and pragmatic in approach, with a proactive mindset and the ability to work independently while contributing positively to a high-performing legal and people team.
Be yourself – Our differences make us stronger
Our customers come from all walks of life and so do our colleagues. That’s why we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. At Virgin Atlantic, we believe everyone can take on the world - no matter your age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs. We celebrate difference and everything that makes our colleagues unique by upholding an inclusive environment in which we can all thrive.
So that everyone at Virgin Atlantic can be themselves and know they belong. To make your journey with us accessible and individual to you, we encourage you to let us know if you’d like a little extra help with your application, or if you have any individual requirements at any stage along your recruitment journey. We are here to support you, so please reach out to our team feeling confident that we’ve got your individual considerations covered.
Manager – Legal Counsel (Employment Law) in Crawley employer: Virgin holidays
At Virgin Atlantic, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Crawley, West Sussex, where our hybrid working policy allows for flexibility and balance. As a Manager – Legal Counsel in Employment Law, you will not only engage with complex legal matters but also contribute to a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that every voice is heard and respected. With ample opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to employee well-being, Virgin Atlantic stands out as a place where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager – Legal Counsel (Employment Law) in Crawley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in employment law. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK employment law and current trends. Be ready to discuss how you can bring clarity to complex issues, just like the role requires!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise in managing employment litigation and your ability to draft key documents. Bring examples of your past work to the table during interviews to demonstrate your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager – Legal Counsel (Employment Law) in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Manager – Legal Counsel role. Highlight your experience in employment law and how it aligns with what we’re looking for at Virgin Atlantic. We want to see how you can bring clarity and confidence to complex issues!
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on showcasing your legal expertise! Whether it’s managing Employment Tribunal litigation or advising on TUPE, make sure to include specific examples that demonstrate your skills. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your experience and qualifications. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can translate complex legal concepts into practical advice, so show us you can do that right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Virgin Atlantic!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin holidays
✨Know Your Employment Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on UK and international employment law, especially around TUPE, collective bargaining, and employee relations. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the law but can apply it practically in a fast-paced environment.
✨Prepare Real-Life Scenarios
Think of specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated complex employment issues. Whether it's managing tribunal litigation or advising on sensitive employee matters, having these stories ready will help you demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Understand Virgin Atlantic's Culture
Familiarise yourself with Virgin Atlantic's values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their inclusive environment and support their people-focused approach, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their current challenges in employment law or how they approach employee relations in a hybrid working model. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
