Senior Counsel – Employment (U.S. Lead), San Francisco Bay Area, CA (Hybrid) (959-SLS)
Our client, a global, publicly traded technology company operating at the intersection of SaaS, fintech, and payments, is seeking a Senior Counsel to lead employment law initiatives across U.S. operations. This role involves close collaboration with Human Resources, senior leadership, and cross-functional teams to design and implement scalable systems that manage employment-related risks effectively. The position is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, with a hybrid work arrangement that encourages in-office presence two days per week.
Key responsibilities include providing strategic and hands-on employment law support, advising on complex employee relations matters, investigations, performance management, compensation, and separations. The Senior Counsel will design and scale employment law frameworks, policies, processes, and tools, including AI-enabled solutions, to drive consistency and proactive risk management. Additionally, the role involves supporting workforce initiatives such as restructuring, organizational design, and cross-border expansion, while monitoring legal and regulatory developments to translate them into actionable business guidance.
The ideal candidate will have approximately 8+ years of legal experience with a significant focus on employment law, including in-house experience within a technology company or similar high-growth environment. A Juris Doctor (J.D.) and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction are required. Experience advising senior leaders, partnering closely with HR on workforce strategy and employee relations matters, handling employment counseling, investigations, and litigation or pre-litigation matters, and drafting and negotiating employment-related agreements and policies in a commercial context are essential. Familiarity with using data, technology, and AI-enabled tools to improve processes and scale legal impact is also preferred.
The role offers a competitive compensation package, including a base salary range of $260,000 – $280,000, eligibility for an annual performance-based bonus, and participation in the company’s equity program. Total compensation is designed to align with the seniority, scope, and impact of the position.
This is a rare opportunity to step into a highly visible employment leadership role within a globally scaled technology company that continues to operate with the urgency and ambition of a growth-stage organization.