About us
Halfords is a FTSE-listed plc and a recognised name across the UK, operating at scale across motoring services, cycling, retail, and digital platforms. The Group comprises an evolving portfolio of subsidiaries, creating a sophisticated and multi-dimensional operating environment, which has expended internationally.
Our in-house legal function sits at the heart of the organisation, partnering closely with senior leadership and key stakeholders to support strategic objectives and manage legal risk across the Group. The employment law function is integral to this, advising on a wide spectrum of complex and high-value matters.
About the role
This role offers exposure to the full breadth of employment law within a dynamic commercial context. The diversity of Halfords’ operations ensures a varied and intellectually engaging workload, with opportunities to address novel and cross-cutting legal challenges.
As part of a collaborative and high-performing in-house team, you will play a key role in delivering pragmatic, commercially focused legal advice. This position offers a compelling opportunity for an employment solicitor seeking to operate at the intersection of law and business within a complex, fast-paced FTSE environment.
You’ll manage our Employment Tribunal cases end‑to‑end, across a broad spectrum of claims (to include Unfair Dismissal, Discrimination, Whistleblowing, etc); prepare all necessary documents up to final hearings and representing the company at preliminary hearings and judicial mediations. You’ll stay ahead of legal developments, translating them into practical guidance for the business, and collaborate with colleagues within the Legal & Governance Team, where you will support on wider commercial matters.
Key responsibilities
* Provide pragmatic employment law advice to protect the business and support operational objectives.
* Manage Employment Tribunal claims end‑to‑end, advising on risk, strategy and settlement through to Final Hearing.
* Lead case strategy, including pleadings, disclosure, witness evidence, medical evidence reviews and Counsel instruction.
* Ensure timely, compliant case progression in line with Tribunal rules and internal governance.
* Represent the business at Preliminary Hearings and Judicial Mediations, driving commercially sound outcomes.
* Monitor case trends and emerging risks, providing insights to help mitigate future claims.
* Advise on employment law developments and support updates to policies, procedures and practices.
* Support stakeholders with employment queries, documentation drafting, training and best‑practice sharing.
About you
* Applicants must be a qualified solicitor in England and Wales, holding a current practising certificate with a strong background and specialism in employment law.
* Have 1-3 PQE but candidates outside this remit are still encouraged to apply.
* Strong communicator with proven negotiation and influencing skills, able to handle difficult conversations with credibility.
* Demonstrated experience managing employment law caseloads autonomously.
* Commercially minded, able to balance legal risk with business priorities.
* Highly organised, self‑motivated and detail‑focused.
* Experienced in managing a high‑volume workload in a fast‑paced, changing environment.
* Trusted to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
* Collaborative relationship‑builder who works effectively with teams and stakeholders.
* Respondent-facing experience is particularly valuable.
Reward & benefits
* A fair and competitive salary evaluated against market data, car allowance, annual discretionary bonus scheme, pension, life assurance, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and enhanced family leave.
* Commitment and dedication to your ongoing personal and professional development. We help you to own and grow your potential so you can be at your best in your current role and to support your future career aspirations.
* We offer hybrid working in our Support Centre, you will be based at our Support Centre 2 days a week.
* You will have access to a wealth of employee discounts across the Halfords suite of products and services.
* Wellbeing and inclusion are at the heart of our colleague experience. We offer resources and ongoing support to enhance your wellbeing at work and active Colleague Networks supporting inclusion initiatives across Halfords.
Not sure you meet all the criteria? We'd encourage you to take the wheel and apply anyway! At Halfords we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for our colleagues. We're an equal opportunities employer and proud to welcome applications from all backgrounds and embrace diversity within our one Halfords Family.
At Halfords, we operate a hybrid working policy with 2 days on site at our Support Centre in Redditch, Worcestershire.