Employment Director / Head of Employment

Oxford | Full-Time

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Employment Solicitor to lead and develop a well-established Employment team as Head of Department.

This role is ideally suited to a commercially minded Employment Lawyer looking to take on a strategic leadership position within a highly regarded law firm. You will work closely with senior leadership, advising board-level stakeholders on a broad range of complex employment law matters while driving the growth and success of the department.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience across the full spectrum of employment law, strong leadership capabilities, and a proven track record of delivering pragmatic, commercial advice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Employment Department.
• Take overall responsibility for departmental performance, strategy and growth.
• Act as the principal employment law adviser to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Advise on complex employee relations matters, including grievances, disciplinary issues, whistleblowing concerns, restructures and senior exits.
• Manage Employment Tribunal litigation from instruction through to resolution, including liaising with external counsel where required.
• Draft and review employment contracts, handbooks, policies and related documentation.
• Support organisational change projects, restructures, redundancies and business integrations.
• Provide employment law support on mergers, acquisitions and commercial transactions.
• Develop and expand the firm's employment law offering through networking and business development activities.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments to ensure ongoing compliance and best practice.
• Advise on executive appointments, settlement agreements, restrictive covenants and confidentiality matters.
• Deliver training and guidance to managers and internal stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with key business functions to implement legally sound policies and procedures.

About You

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales.
• Significant employment law experience, typically 8+ years PQE, although applications from candidates with more or less experience are welcome.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK employment law.
• Commercially focused with the ability to deliver practical, solution-led advice.
• Experience advising senior stakeholders and board-level decision makers.
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Strong business development and client relationship management abilities.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Genuine opportunity to influence strategic decision-making at senior level.
• Clear progression prospects, including the potential for future equity participation.
• A collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Opportunity to play a key role in the continued growth and success of the business.

If you are an ambitious Employment Solicitor seeking a leadership opportunity with significant career progression potential, we would be delighted to hear from you.

To apply, please contact Alvin Jose at Reed Legal on .