Head of Legal - Employment and Immigration

Job Description

Ocado Group is seeking a Head of Legal - Employment and Immigration to join their Legal & Business Integrity Department. This role involves providing strategic legal and commercial advice on employment and immigration matters across the Ocado Group, both in the UK and internationally. The Head of Legal will lead and manage a small team, working closely with stakeholders, including executive leadership, to build trusted relationships and provide pragmatic guidance.This position offers flexibility in working patterns and locations, with the requirement to attend the Head Office in Hatfield at least two days per week and other Ocado sites when necessary. Travel to Employment Tribunal hearings and occasional out-of-hours work may be required.Responsibilities:

• Serve as a trusted strategic partner for key stakeholders.
• Manage employment litigation and complex employee relations matters.
• Partner with stakeholders on industrial and employee relations strategies.
• Identify and manage legal changes impacting operations.
• Support commercial and M&A activity.
• Partner on the strategy for people-related policies globally.
• Oversee employment and immigration training programs.
• Advise on employee incentive programs and benefits.
• Lead and coach a team to deliver high-quality advice.
• Manage relationships with external counsel.
• Contribute to the Legal team’s strategy and initiatives.
• Develop standard contract templates and expertise materials.
• Improve legal systems and operations.
• Support and manage the legal budget.
• Coach and develop the wider Legal team.

Requirements:

• UK qualified lawyer with at least 8 years PQE.
• Trained with a leading law firm or in-house team.
• Demonstrable management experience.
• Experience working with senior management.
• Experience advising on employment law matters outside the UK.
• Strong business judgment and client counseling experience.
• Strong academic qualifications.

Ocado Group offers:

• 30 days ‘working from anywhere in the world’ policy.
• Wellbeing support through dedicated apps and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after 5 years service (plus optional holiday purchase).
• Pension scheme (employer contribution matching up to 7%).
• Generous Private Medical Insurance.
• Income Protection and Life Assurance.
• Paid maternity and paternity leave.
• Train Ticket loan and Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Free shuttle bus to Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City Train Stations.
• Opportunity to participate in Sharesave and Buy as You Earn share schemes.
• 15% discount on Ocado.com and free delivery for all employees.