Senior Legal Counsel Employment & Litigation 80-100%

The Central Legal Team of the Zurich Insurance Group consists of highly qualified lawyers providing a diverse range of legal advice to various stakeholders groupwide. The position of "Senior Legal Counsel Employment and Litigation" is an exciting opportunity to provide expert advice on a full range of HR, rewards and people strategy issues and initiatives and to manage HR litigation and investigations, reporting to our Group Head of Labour & Employment Law.

What you will do

• Act as legal Business Partner to the HR organization and senior management at Zurich Corporate Center.

• Provide legal advice on Swiss HR projects and initiatives (including employee development, retention, benefits offerings, compensation philosophy, disciplinary measures, re-structuring, executive compensation, rewards, and organizational development needs).

• Regularly review existing company policies in the area of HR, employment conditions, template letters and agreements, incentive plans, and remuneration report.

• Identify risks relating to HR matters, provide risk assessments and potential solutions and pro-actively inform relevant stakeholders about major legal developments and trends in the area of Swiss employment law.

• Identify training needs in the HR area.

• Provide training on conducting HR-related internal investigations and employment termination.

• Establish and maintain collaboration with local business units, in particular the Swiss Business Unit, to ensure alignment across topics and ensure early legal involvement.

• Advise on HR-related whistleblowing issues.

• Manage employee disputes and HR litigation involving Zurich Corporate Center employees and conduct internal HR investigations.

• Advise management on employee representation matters.

What you bring

• Law degree (Master in Law; Attorney at law), ideally with a postgraduate qualification (e.g., LL.M.), with strong background in Swiss employment law, incl. employment litigation and executive compensation.

• At least 7 years of professional experience in a law firm and/or legal department of a larger enterprise and/or comparable organization, ideally listed at a stock exchange.

• A proactive and autonomous mindset with strong ownership approach; ability to think strategically and outside of the box and to find pragmatic, risk based and business-oriented solutions.

• Person of integrity and able to work under pressure in a professional way and with a commitment to being a team-player. Does the right thing and leads others to do the right thing.

• Strong communicator, able to form effective working relationships with a variety of functions at all levels. Is a keen listener, who is diplomatic and open-minded, and will have experience in advising, influencing and gaining the trust and respect of sophisticated executives.

• Good conceptual and analytical skills and excellent verbal and writing skills. Has strong legal instincts and excellent issue-spotting skills.

• Ability to handle numerous and competing tasks and priorities, and to be resourceful and composed under pressure, coupled with excellent organizational and project management skills.

• Works well in a cross-border setting with colleagues from multiple jurisdictions.

• Mother tongue German and excellent command of English both spoken and written is essential, other languages a plus.

The ideal candidate will also have:

• International/cross-border employment law experience.

• Internal investigations experience.

• Experience with managing or supporting global HR projects.

Additional Information

We look forward to receiving your online application.

At our Quai Zurich Campus , our culture and our people are what set us apart. We thrive on face-to-face interactions that drive collaboration, nurture our unique culture, and amplify our success. Enjoy the best of both worlds with the flexibility to work up to two days remotely per week within Switzerland, allowing you to balance personal commitments while excelling in your career. Please discuss your flexibility needs with us during your interview.

Information for recruitment agencies

Zurich does not accept any applications from recruitment agencies for this position. We refuse any responsibility for unsolicited applications as well as any associated fees.

Why Zurich

At Zurich, we like to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. We take an optimistic approach by focusing on the positives and constantly asking What can go right?

We are an equal opportunity employer who knows that each employee is unique - that’s what makes our team so great!
Join us as we constantly explore new ways to protect our customers and the planet .

• Location(s): CH - Zürich
• Remote working: Hybrid
• Schedule: Full Time
• Recruiter name: Grace Cunningham
• Closing Date: 11th April 2025