Overview As the Legal Counsel (Employment) (FTC - Maternity Cover) for Oliver James you will join the Oliver James Legal Team as part of its Employment Law Service, reporting directly to the Head of Employment Law and Employee Relations. As a global business with staff in 12 countries, focussed on providing recruitment and workforce solutions, employment law is fundamental to OJ and this is an opportunity to have a real impact as part of a centralised Group Legal Team (all based in Manchester) working across the global Oliver James business, including the US, APAC and across Europe. This opportunity is ideal for a confident, ambitious employment lawyer who is keen to take ownership, build relationships with stakeholders, and make a tangible impact. We are looking for someone pragmatic and solutions-driven, with strong fundamentals and a genuine enthusiasm for employment law work. The Legal Counsel (Employment) will support in providing smart, commercial, value-driven, quality employment law advice, including for both Oliver James's internal employees and as part of its business recruitment activities. Working closely with the senior members of the Legal team, including the Head of Employment Law and Employee Relations, you will gain exposure to the full spectrum of employment law across the business and contribute to building a modern, high-performing Employment Law Service that is closely aligned to business priorities. The Legal Team was short-listed for in-house legal team of the year 2025 and is looking for bright and dynamic people to help us build on that success. What we're looking for Fixed term contract - up to 12 months (maternity cover) Qualified solicitor (or equivalent) with up to c.5 years' post-qualification experience in employment law Strong grounding in advising on contentious and non-contentious employment law.Strong grounding in advising on contentious and non-contentious employment law. Keen interest in developing expertise in other jurisdictions. Commercially aware, with good judgment and a practical approach to risk Confident communicator who can engage effectively with non-legal stakeholders Proactive, organised, and comfortable managing competing priorities Collaborative team player who enjoys working closely with colleagues across functions Interest in improving processes, and legal operations Key responsibilities: Support the Employment Law Service on employment law matters relevant to the Oliver James business recruitment activities and internal workforce. This will include advising senior Group stakeholders (Executive and Directors) and being a trusted advisor to the People Team Support the development and refinement of templates, polices, contractual documents and guidance materials Assist in identifying and escalating legal risks in line with Group frameworks Work with external counsel where required, supporting efficient and cost-effective engagement Contribute to legal projects and continuous improvement initiatives within the team Build strong working relationships across the business to ensure Legal is seen as a trusted and accessible partner Take a proactive approach in horizon-scanning and the identification of employment law updates; proactively identifying and guiding the Oliver James business in response to regulatory and legislative change. Support (where needed) on the preparation and negotiation of client commercial contracts. Seek opportunities to impact the development of the Oliver James Legal Team members and share knowledge with the wider business. Why This Role? High visibility within a growing global business Direct exposure to senior leadership Broad employment law experience across jurisdictions Opportunity to shape how the Employment Law Service supports the business as it scales