Labor & Employment Counsel

This is a hybrid position located in Memphis, TN or Omaha, NE.

Essential Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the job.

• Advise on all aspects of labor and employment law, including wage and hour compliance, employee relations, workplace safety, discrimination, harassment, and leave management.
• Represent the company in employment-related proceedings, administrative hearings, and settlement negotiations (e.g., EEOC, DOL, NLRB), including supporting outside counsel and coordinating discovery and investigations.
• Advise on and support union-related matters including collective bargaining, grievance resolution, and labor strategy.
• Draft, review, and update employment policies, handbooks, offer letters, severance agreements, restrictive covenants, and other contracts.
• Partner with HR and operations leadership to proactively identify and address legal risks related to workforce management.
• Conduct, oversee, and manage internal investigations and risk assessments related to employee misconduct, complaints, grievances, and regulatory labor and employment concerns.
• Monitor and interpret changes in federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and implement necessary policy updates.
• Provide training to HR and management on employment law topics and regulations, including harassment prevention, ADA/FMLA compliance, and labor relations.
• Develop and implement company policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all labor and employment laws and regulations
• Conduct regular audits and reviews of company practices to identify any potential legal risks and develop proactive strategies to mitigate litigation and compliance risks
• Collaborate with outside legal counsel as needed to provide comprehensive legal support and guidance.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with relevant government agencies and other external stakeholders
• Communicate and explain complex legal concepts and information to non-legal stakeholders in a clear and concise manner
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism
• Support HR and leadership on workforce planning, restructuring, reductions in force, and employee classification issues
• Provide guidance on immigration matters (visas, work authorizations) and cross-border employment issues if the company has an international footprint.
• Advise on executive compensation, incentive plans, equity awards, and employee benefits compliance (e.g., ERISA, COBRA, ACA).
• Track, analyze, and report on employment claims, investigations, and compliance initiatives to identify trends and support continuous improvement.

Marginal Functions

The individual may be asked to perform other duties.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional judgment, discretion, and integrity.
• Strong litigation experience, excellent communication/negotiations skills, matter management, and deep knowledge of federal and state employment laws (e.g., FLSA, FMLA, ADA, NLRA, Title VII).
• Experience managing union relationships and collective bargaining agreements.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail and quality in accomplishing work duties and tasks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Clear and persuasive verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and execute multiple tasks, working effectively and efficiently with cross-functional teams and taking direction from senior team members.
• Use equipment, resources, and time in an efficient and effective manner.
• Technologically adept, proficient in use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), including to prepare reports and policies.
• A self-starter and comfortable working in a team environment, as well as independently, in a fast-paced, environment.
• Strong legal research skills with the ability to analyze complex and evolving federal, state, and local employment laws, and apply findings to provide practical, effective counsel.
• *Hybrid/Remote worker must have a reliable high-speed internet connection and a suitable remote workspace.

Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; active bar membership in good standing.
• 5+ years of labor and employment law experience, preferably with a mix of law firm and in-house counsel experience in manufacturing or distribution environment.
• In-depth knowledge of U.S. employment laws, including Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, NLRA, and state-specific regulations.
• Proven employment-related litigation and managing internal investigations experience.
• Strong legal research writing, and negotiation skills.
• Strong computer skills; proficient with Microsoft Office Suite including familiarity with Excel, Power Point and Word.
• Familiarity with OSHA and workplace safety regulations, preferred.

Environmental Conditions & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The below list includes the environmental conditions and physical demands representative of those that an individual performing the essential functions of this job will encounter and be able to perform.

• The individual will work primarily in an office setting in the same room as other individuals. Noise levels are average for an office and include conversation and/or office equipment noise.
• While performing duties at manufacturing and distribution facilities, the individual may be exposed to hazardous physical or chemical conditions, including mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gasses, poor ventilation, extreme temperatures, and intense noise.