Legal Counsel, Labor and Employment

Role Description Summary

The Legal Counsel, Labor and Employment operates as a key enabler across the employee lifecycle within SES – a global space solutions company, empowering business and governments with integrated, purpose-built satellite and connectivity solutions. The incumbent reports to the Director, Labor & Employment Counsel and delivers hands‑on, structured legal support to business leaders and Human Resources on a broad range of labor and employment law matters, with a primary focus on European jurisdictions.

Responsibilities include support on employee relations and litigation matters, social dialogue frameworks, compliance and GDPR topics, as well as preparation of employment documentation, policies and procedures. The role requires a practical, execution‑driven approach, with the incumbent acting as a key contributor who applies sound judgment to deliver clear, scalable solutions while continuously expanding expertise in a fast‑evolving, global environment.

• Advise and support the HR employee relations team with works councils, staff delegations and other collective labor matters, ensuring effective social dialogue and compliance with global frameworks.
• Provide practical legal guidance to HR Business Partners and management on labor and employment law matters.
• Draft, review and update employment agreement templates, severance agreements (and negotiation as required), incentive pay plans, benefits documents and third‑party vendor agreements related to Human Resources functions.
• Support in internal investigations and assist in resolving employment‑related disputes and litigation, and coordinate with external counsel as needed.
• Respond to claims, demand letters, subpoenas, audits and other employment‑related inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate resolution.
• Assess legal risk and provide management with actionable recommendations regarding threatened and pending litigation. Engage in pre‑litigation dispute resolution efforts.
• Review and aid outside counsel with litigation, overseeing legal vendors’ delivery to ensure quality, cost‑effectiveness, and alignment with SES standards.
• Assist Human Resources in evaluating, developing and implementing employment practices, policies and procedures in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including GDPR and compliance matters.
• Delivery of training or guidance sessions to HR and business stakeholders on key employment law topics and compliance requirements.
• Support other department responsibilities and compliance initiatives as directed by the Director, Employment and Labor or the Chief Legal Officer, contributing to cross‑functional projects as required.

• Ability to evaluate risk, demonstrating sound judgment and high integrity, with a practical, solution‑oriented approach to problem‑solving and delivery of clear, actionable and concise recommendations to internal clients.
• Excellent organizational and follow‑through skills, with ability to create, plan and successfully execute projects, meeting multiple time‑sensitive deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to interface and engage effectively and diplomatically across diverse audiences and seniority levels.
• Prepares and delivers well‑structured presentations and written materials (including PowerPoint and email communications) that convey key messages effectively and support informed decision‑making.
• Displays a collaborative, team‑oriented mindset, with the ability to build effective relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Maintains a high level of attention to detail and accuracy, ensuring quality and compliance in all deliverables.
• Demonstrates curiosity,…