Legal Counsel - Employment

<p><strong>About Ocado Technology</strong></p> <p>We are Ocado Technology and we empower global grocery retailers with cutting-edge cloud, robotics, AI, and IoT. Our Ocado Smart Platform (OSP) powers highly automated Customer Fulfilment Centres (CFCs), enabling efficient, single-pick online grocery delivery</p> <p><strong>The Opportunity </strong></p> <p>As Legal Counsel – Employment, you will be the trusted strategic advisor to our People team and senior business stakeholders. This is a truly comprehensive in-house role offering a blend of high-stakes contentious work, cross-border advisory, and strategic corporate projects.</p> <p>If you thrive on autonomy, commercial pragmatism, and working at pace, you will find an environment here that values your judgment and gives you the runway to lead.</p> <p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Strategic Business Partnering: Act as the primary legal partner for UK and international business leaders on complex ER, contractual frameworks, and high-value change management (including restructures and TUPE).</li> <li>Litigation &amp; Risk Management: Take total ownership of UK employment litigation, driving strategy from inception to commercial resolution.</li> <li>Global Scope: Work with external counsel across multiple international jurisdictions to deliver seamless, compliant, and pragmatic global advice.</li> <li>Corporate &amp; Commercial Enablement: Advise on the employment mechanics of M&amp;A activity, corporate transactions, and draft employment provisions within major commercial agreements.</li> <li>Proactive Advisory: Develop policy frameworks, delivering engaging stakeholder training,&nbsp; monitoring legal and regulatory developments and supporting with implementation&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><strong>About You</strong></p> <p>We are looking for a sharp, commercially-minded employment lawyer who can cut through legal complexity to give clear, actionable business advice.</p> <p><em>Experience</em></p> <ul> <li>Qualification: Qualified Solicitor (E&amp;W) or equivalent.</li> <li>Experience: Ideally 3–7 years’ PQE with a strong foundation in both contentious and non-contentious UK employment law. (We are entirely open to exceptional candidates outside this bracket who can demonstrate the required capability).</li> <li>Track Record: Proven experience independently managing UK employment tribunal litigation and navigating complex, high-risk employee relations matters.</li> <li>Mindset: A strong academic mindset paired with the ability to advise, challenge, and influence senior stakeholders.</li> </ul> <p><strong>What’s In It For You?</strong></p> <p>We believe in rewarding our legal professionals with a package that genuinely supports work-life balance and flexibility.</p> <ul> <li>Work From Anywhere: 25 days annual leave plus the ability to work remotely from anywhere in the world for up to 30 days a year.</li> <li>Financial &amp; Future Growth: Up to 7% matched pension, company share schemes (Sharesave &amp; BAYE), and an interest-free season ticket loan.</li> <li>Health &amp; Peace of Mind: Premium Private Medical Insurance from day one, comprehensive income protection, life assurance, and dedicated wellness app access.</li> <li>Family First: Inclusive, market-leading parental policies offering 22 weeks fully paid maternity/primary carer leave and 6 weeks fully paid paternity leave.</li> <li>Perks &amp; Commute: A dedicated free shuttle bus to/from Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City stations, a Cycle to Work scheme, and 15% off your Ocado shopping with free delivery from your first month.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Ready to shape the future of tech?</strong></p> <p>Ocado Group is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.</p> <p><em>#LI-HYBRID</em></p> <p><em>#LI-JK3</em></p>