Senior Legal Counsel, US Employment

Senior Legal Counsel, US Employment

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew, we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.

What will you be doing?

• Provide proactive, practical, clear and timely day-to-day advice to the HR team and internal business partners across all business units on a wide variety of US employment issues, including but not limited to : wage and hour;
• W2 / 1099 classification; restrictive covenants, leaves of absence and accommodations; drug testing and background screenings;
• discrimination, harassment and retaliation; investigations; performance management; discipline; termination; employee health and safety;

employee benefits, and other labor and employment related matters, policies, and procedures.

• Proactively monitor legislative and regulatory developments and emerging trends affecting employment obligations.
• Develop, review, draft and / or amend company policies and handbooks to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws as needed.
• Assist in developing, preparing, and providing training to HR and internal business partners regarding employment law compliance, and key topics / trends within the business.
• Draft and negotiate employment-related documents and templates including employment contracts, restrictive covenants and separation agreements.
• Lead and / or support internal investigations related to employment and human resources issues.
• Run employment related disputes / litigation and represent the company in employment matters filed with state and federal agencies.
• Prepare and review company responses to charges and complaints of discrimination and other litigation documents.
• Oversee and manage outside counsel for employment matters and ensure cost-effective and efficient representation.

What will you need to be successful?

• Juris Doctorate from accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law as a member in good standing in at least one US state.
• Would suit a candidate with 6+ years of experience in a dedicated employment law practice, either with a law firm and / or in-house legal department.
• Recent experience advising healthcare / pharma / medical devices strongly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including but not limited to Title VII, FMLA, FLSA, OSHA, ADA, ERISA, and other relevant statutes;

experience with labor, workers’ compensation, and / or immigration laws would be beneficial.

Ability to provide employment advice relating to a mixed employee / contractor workforce.

You Unlimited.

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.

• Inclusion, Diversity and Equity : Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Diversity, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website ()
• Your Future : 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement
• Work / Life Balance : Flexible Personal / Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day
• Your Wellbeing : Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program
• Flexibility : Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles)
• Training : Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship
• Extra Perks : Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!

Smith+Nephew is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Smith+Nephew will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

If reasonable accommodation is needed, please alert the recruiter if you are selected to move forward.

Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.