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 (https://www.smith-nephew.com/)
• 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.