Employment Director (EMEA) – Senior Employment Lawyer

About the role

This newly created position is for an experienced Employment Director covering the EMEA region. Reporting to the Group General Counsel, you will act as the lead employment law specialist, partnering with senior leaders and the People function across multiple jurisdictions.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted adviser to the People team and senior leadership on complex employment law matters across multiple jurisdictions.
• Provide expert guidance on employee relations issues, including disciplinary matters, grievances, performance management, investigations, redundancies, restructures and workplace disputes.
• Monitor and advise on developments in employment legislation and workplace regulations to ensure continued compliance.
• Manage employment‑related claims and disputes, liaise with external counsel and support settlement negotiations.
• Draft, review and update employment contracts, policies, employee handbooks and related documentation.
• Identify legal and regulatory risks associated with workforce decisions and recommend practical mitigation strategies.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and act as a strategic partner to the People function.
• Support employee incentive and equity programmes from a legal and governance perspective.
• Contribute to broader legal team initiatives, including commercial contracts, supplier agreements and other corporate matters.

Required profile

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with extensive experience in employment law across EMEA jurisdictions.
• Proven track record handling complex employee relations cases, investigations and litigation.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance legal risk against business objectives.
• Experience advising senior leaders and HR functions on strategic workforce issues.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and influence decision‑making in a fast‑moving international environment.
• Flexibility to work remotely or from the Southampton office.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary with bonus potential
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Flexible full‑time or part‑time arrangements