Senior Counsel - Employment and Disputes

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 7 May 2026
LOCATION
Grove, Wantage
TYPE
Full-time
LEVEL
Mid-Senior level
CATEGORY
Legal
This employer holds a UK Home Office sponsor license — sponsorship for this specific role is at the employer’s discretion

SKILLS

Employment Law Litigation Contract Drafting TUPE IR35 Intellectual Property GDPR Dispute Resolution

FULL DESCRIPTION

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is seeking a Senior Counsel – Employment and Disputes based in Grove, Wantage (On-site, Full-time). This role provides legal advice on employment law and disputes, reporting to the General Counsel.

Main Duties

  • Act as the primary legal adviser on employment law matters across the business, including bespoke hiring arrangements, contractual terms, immigration/work visas, restructurings (including TUPE) and contractor arrangements (including IR35).
  • Work closely with the Head of Employee Relations to advise on complex casework and policy development.
  • Advise on the protection of intellectual property, confidential information and trade secrets in an employment context, as well data privacy matters, ensuring compliance with UK GDPR and related legislation.
  • Manage and oversee employee-related litigation, including employment tribunal claims.
  • Oversee all disputes and contentious matters of a commercial and regulatory nature, working with external counsel where instructed, including pre-litigation strategy and alternative dispute resolution.
  • Support risk management and corporate governance matters, including monitoring legislative updates affecting UK corporates and advising on directors' duties.
  • Develop and maintain best-practice precedent documents and templates.
  • Collaborate with other members of the Legal team to develop policies relating to corporate governance, legal compliance, risk, ethics and regulatory obligations.
  • Provide input into employment policies as required.
  • Manage relationships with external legal counsel.
  • Keep up to date with employment law developments.

Key Accountabilities

  • Role model [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] Values & Behaviours.
  • Ensure compliance with health and safety obligations.
  • Ensure high standards of behaviour and conduct.
  • Adhere to brand rules and maintain department presentation.
  • Comply with quality standards and identify improvements.
  • Ensure understanding of cost cap requirements.

Required Qualifications or Experience

  • Qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 6+ years PQE including significant in-house employment law and litigation experience.
  • Demonstrable experience across employment law matters: hiring, remuneration, contracts, IP, restructurings, data privacy, employee relations, contractor arrangements.
  • Ability to manage general disputes.
  • Trusted business adviser for senior leaders.
  • Proven ability to manage external legal counsel.
  • Proactive mindset with strong client relationships.
  • Excellent drafting and communication skills.
  • Experience or interest in corporate governance.
  • Excellent academic credentials.
  • Previous experience in sports, entertainment, technology or fast-paced environment desirable.
  • Familiarity with Formula 1 or elite sport desirable.

This job description is not exhaustive.

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We are happy to discuss reasonable job adjustments.

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