Global Labor and Employment Counsel

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Job Description

Albemarle is hiring for a Global Labor and Employment Counsel role. This role follows a hybrid work schedule, requiring in-office presence three days per week - Tuesday through Thursday - in our Charlotte, NC office.

We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive Global Labor and Employment Counsel with 7+ years of substantive experience in labor and employment matters. Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, Corporate and Employment Law, this position is pivotal to the ongoing support of our Human Resources (HR) and compliance teams. The successful candidate will also partner with legal professionals across other global regions to help inform and shape our broader employment and labor strategy.

As a valued member of our legal team, you will serve as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders, fostering a culture of compliance, equity, and employee engagement. You will be expected to handle a diverse portfolio of legal matters and contribute to the development and harmonization of global labor strategies. Your collaborative approach and keen analytical skills will be critical to ensuring our organization's continued success in navigating the complex world of employment law.

• Legal Advice and Counsel: Provide pragmatic, business-oriented legal counsel on a range of labor and employment matters, including wage and hour issues, HR policies, discrimination and harassment, workplace safety, global mobility, benefits, accommodations, employee discipline, investigations, and terminations. Advise HR, management, and business units regarding risk mitigation, best practices, and significant employment law changes that may affect the Company's business

• Compliance Management: Ensure adherence to all relevant state and federal employment laws and regulations. Partner with HR, Compliance, and other stakeholders to implement policies and training programs that support a compliant, ethical workplace.

• Labor Relations and Negotiations: Coordinate with outside counsel to represent the company in union negotiations. Work closely with HR and management to maintain positive relationships with labor organizations globally.

• Investigations: Lead and/or support investigations into workplace complaints, allegations of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, and other sensitive employment matters. Prepare reports, recommend remedial actions, and oversee implementation of corrective measures.

• Litigation Support: Manage and coordinate responses to employment-related claims, charges, and litigation. Collaborate with external counsel, prepare documents, and support litigation strategy from initial investigation through resolution.

• Collaboration Across Regions: Collaborate with HR and legal teams in other global regions to develop consistent practices and enhance employment law compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Contribute to the development of a unified, forward-thinking global employment and labor strategy. Policy Development and Review: Draft, review, and update employment policies. Provide training to HR, management, and staff as needed.

• Data Privacy: Partner with the compliance department to advise on data privacy issues (primarily employment data) pursuant to US, European, and Chinese law.

• Risk Assessment: Identify potential employment-related risks and develop strategies to minimize exposure. Advise on new initiatives, restructurings, and workforce changes.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with HR, compliance, management, and other business partners to ensure alignment of legal advice with business objectives.

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with at least one US state bar.

• 7+ years of experience specializing in employment law, Experience advising HR teams, handling investigations, litigation, and governmental inquiries, and supporting employee relations strategy.

• In-depth knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations.

• Strong experience conducting and supporting workplace investigations and responding to agency charges and litigation.

• Demonstrable experience collaborating with internal stakeholders and cross-regional legal teams.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable advice.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• High ethical standards, sound judgment, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.

• Experience supporting multinational companies or collaborating with legal teams in other jurisdictions.

• Knowledge or willingness to learn about labor relations, benefits, international employment issues, and other specialized areas of employment law.

• Ability to speak a second language (Spanish, German, or Chinese) is a plus.

• Strategic Thinker: Ability to anticipate legal and business trends, assess risks, and propose innovative solutions.

• Collaborative Partner: Skilled at building consensus and fostering teamwork across functions and regions.

• Problem-Solver: Resourceful and resilient in analyzing issues and delivering sound, pragmatic advice.

• Effective Communicator: Able to present information clearly and persuasively to a range of audiences.

• Ethical Leader: Demonstrates integrity, discretion, and respect for confidentiality at all times.

Benefits of Joining Albemarle

• Competitive compensation

• Comprehensive benefits package

• A diverse array of resources to support you professionally and personally.

We are partners to one another in pioneering new ways to be better for ourselves, our teams, and our communities. When you join Albemarle, you become our most essential element and you can anticipate competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and resources that foster your well-being and fuel your personal growth. Help us shape the future, build with purpose and grow together.