WTW is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With roots dating to 1828, Willis Towers Watson has 40,000 employees serving more than 140 countries. We design and deliver solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals. Our unique perspective allows us to see the critical intersections between talent, assets and ideas – the dynamic formula that drives business performance. Together, we unlock potential. Learn more at willistowerswatson.com.
The Role
Office of General Counsel (Legal--Employment Team)
The OGC legal department is responsible for advising on legal issues that arise in the course of business, ranging from litigation and claims to commercial and corporate transactions and contracts, to employment law and compliance and regulatory issues. We provide seamless legal support on a global basis, with professional staff located in numerous countries around the world.
Principal Accountabilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for providing and managing effective legal support to key internal clients, across all lines of business with respect to all aspects of employment law in the UK and internationally (to include jurisdictions in Asia, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa and working with local counsel as necessary); including:
- Monitoring key legal developments in the UK and relevant international jurisdictions;
- Assisting in the development, management and negotiation of key litigation-related templates policies and agreements;
- Providing advice and counsel to Human Resources and senior business leaders in the UK and relevant international jurisdictions with respect to all aspects of employment law, including but not limited to restrictive covenants, employee relations, onboarding, termination, compliance, employment-related contracts, and compensation and benefits;
- Assisting with internal investigations related to employees and employee relations matters;
- Assessing and minimising legal risk to the company in all employment law-related issues;
- Managing and resolving contentious employment claims against the Company;
- Managing external counsel to ensure consistency with WTW standards and approach to cost management;
- Providing training to Human Resources and business areas on employment law issues and developments.
The Requirements
Essential
:
The ideal candidate will be a solicitor legally qualified with solid experience post legal qualification, with the following skills:
- Strong communicator, articulate and able to present information and advice clearly and concisely
- Advanced written communication skills
- Persuasive
- Flexible and willing to support the business, which includes work of both a UK and international nature.
- Self-motivated and organised with ability to manage and prioritise
- A good eye for detail and ability to think logically
- Ability to handle confidential information and opinions with discretion
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
- Ability to see the big picture in terms of the Company's legal and ethical obligations for the protection of its reputation
- Ability to handle competing, urgent matters and manage internal client expectations and meet deadlines
- Ability to work with cross functional teams to achieve business objectives
- Solid research, analytical and strategic thinking skills
- Able to forge relationships and credibility quickly and effectively
- Experience in all aspects of employment law
Desirable
:
- Experience of working in an in-house environment, preferably at a multi-national company
- Proficiency in foreign languages will be an advantage
At WTW, we trust you to know your work and the people, tools and environment you need to be successful. The majority of our colleagues work in a "hybrid" style, with a mix of remote, in-person and in-office interactions dependent on the needs of the team, role and clients. Our flexibility is rooted in trust and "hybrid" is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
We understand flexibility is key to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and WTW offers flexible working opportunities and part-time working.
What can we offer you? As an industry leader, we offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package including: pension, life insurance, medical insurance, and flexible benefits including critical illness cover, dental cover and many other options.
At WTW, we believe difference makes us stronger. We want our workforce to reflect the different and varied markets we operate in and to build a culture of inclusivity that makes colleagues feel welcome, valued and empowered to bring their whole selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive work environment throughout our organisation. We embrace all types of diversity. Equal Opportunities Employer.