Senior Director and Counsel, Employment Law

Paramount Networks International, is comprised of many of the world's most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, MTV LIVE HD, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, Paramount Channel, BET and more. Paramount brands reach more than 3.8 billion cumulative subscribers in 180+ countries and territories via more than 200 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties, in 40 languages.

Employment Counsel, Paramount Global, Employment Law

Job Title:         Counsel, Employment Law
Department:         Employment Law
Reports To:         Senior Vice President, Employment Law
Job Location:      Currently focusing on London, UK (open to other locations if search necessitates opening up to wider range of non-US locations)

We're seeking a motivated, conscientious Counsel, Employment Law to join the international employment law function of the Paramount Global Law Department.  The position will support varied businesses within the Paramount Global portfolio across a wide range of non-US jurisdictions with a focus on HR counseling, employment and labor law advice and litigation, employee training, internal investigations, employee privacy, employment issues attached to M&A, and employee benefits.  

PRIMARY DUTIES WILL INCLUDE:

• Serve as a key legal advisor on employment law, employee relations matters, and policy interpretation;
• Provide legal, strategic and business advice and support to the Law Department, Human Resources Department, and the Employee Relations function on day-to-day employment matters and compliance, including: recruiting, hiring, and compensation; employee discipline, performance management, terminations, and restructurings; anti-discrimination, and harassment and retaliation prevention; wage/hour compliance; leaves of absence and workplace accommodations; internal investigations of potential violations of Company policy; employee privacy; employment-related advice on a range of issues attached to M&A; and employee benefits.
• Evaluate and communicate legal risks associated with complaints, grievances, and other legal matters;
• Handle pre-litigation claims and settlement negotiations, litigation in various forums around the world, including management of outside counsel in various jurisdictions where support is needed;
• Manage outside counsel representing the Company in matters before applicable tribunals and agencies across multiple jurisdictions;
• Work to minimize legal exposure by proactively reviewing existing practices, forms, contracts, and policies regarding employment matters, while considering business objectives and practicalities;
• Draft policies and agreements (e.g., offer letters, confidentiality agreements, separation agreements, settlement agreements, and employment agreements, employee policies), and prepare legal documents, memoranda and other forms of communication regarding transactional or legal advice;
• Develop training materials and provide training on employment law issues and employment-related policies and practices to Human Resources professionals and other employees;
• Provide legal counsel to executives and senior/ middle management on changes in the law and complex legal issues that may have a significant impact on Company facilities and operations.
• Creatively partner with Paramount Global in-house attorneys based in various jurisdictions to ensure that employment law advice and approach takes into account their commercial and legal expertise and experience on the ground.

CRITICAL SKILLS:
 

• Broad and deep employment law knowledge including familiarity with litigation; ability to readily advise on the wide variety of employment law issues that arise in a complex, multi-jurisdictional fast-paced media industry environment
• Comfortable assessing and advising on employment law issues in a multi-jurisdictional environment
• Ability to identify and analyze complex issues and evaluate their broader implications for the business in jurisdictions around the world; interact with clients at all levels; provide timely, practical, legal advice and solutions; and communicate effectively in person and in writing
• Ability to work independently, exercise good judgment, and take ownership of issues and matters to their successful conclusion
• High level organizational skills, including program and project management, prioritization and time management
• Preference to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Ability and willingness to develop expertise in other topics to meet the needs of a dynamic business and Law Department
• Interest in the global media business and willingness to examine and understand how changes in the content ecosystem create legal and HR challenges 
• Attention to detail and the ability to manage a high-volume workload efficiently and smoothly
• JD from a locally accredited law school and strong academic credentials 
• At least 5 years of experience as an employment attorney
• At least some in-house experience preferred
• Experience managing outside counsel and legal budgets preferred

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience (including law firm experience and/or in house experience).  Qualified candidates must be qualified to practice law as in-house counsel in the location where they are based (currently London, UK).

Paramount is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet.

At Paramount, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do, on-screen and off. From the programming and movies we create to employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. Paramount is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.

If you have any difficulties in applying or require access needs arising from a mobility or any other impairment please let us know by emailing uk.recruitment@vimn.com or calling 0207 555 1234. We can then ensure your experience and visit is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.