Sr. Labor & Employment Counsel

Job Description:

WHO WE ARE:

Saks Global is the largest multi-brand luxury retailer in the world, comprising Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks OFF 5TH, Last Call and Horchow. Its retail portfolio includes 70 full-line luxury locations, additional off-price locations and five distinct e-commerce experiences. With talented colleagues focused on delivering on our strategic vision, The Art of You, Saks Global is redefining luxury shopping by offering each customer a personalized experience that is unmistakably their own.

By leveraging the most comprehensive luxury customer data platform in North America, cutting-edge technology, and strong partnerships with the world's most esteemed brands, Saks Global is shaping the future of luxury retail.

Saks Global Properties & Investments includes Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus flagship properties and represents nearly 13 million square feet of prime U.S. real estate holdings and investments in luxury markets.

Salary Range: $200K - $250K

As our Senior Labor & Employment (L&E) Counsel, you will be a trusted advisor to senior leadership, designing and implementing forward-thinking L&E strategies that align with our brand’s values and operations. With your previous experience in employment law, workforce issues, and cross-functional collaboration, you possess the hands‑on ability to own and lead initiatives related to risk mitigation, policy development, global compliance, and employee relations.

• Provide timely advice to internal business partners on all aspects of employment law, including hiring, performance management, compensation, benefits, accommodations, investigations, and terminations.
• Partner with the People team to proactively manage risk, draft policies, and advise on workforce strategy, employee relations, investigations, and all other aspects of employment law compliance.
• Design, develop, and implement employment policies, trainings, and compliance frameworks aligned with local laws and company values.
• Advise on internal investigations related to employee misconduct, discrimination, harassment, and whistle blower complaints, ensuring consistent, lawful, and brand‑aligned outcomes.
• Provide strategic counsel on workforce restructuring, performance management, wage & hour issues, and employee transitions (hires, terminations, separations).
• Manage and partner with external counsel on litigation, administrative claims, and audits, maintaining alignment with company priorities and reputation.
• Collaborate on labor relations strategy and union matters, where applicable, with a focus on positive employee engagement.
• Monitor legal developments and emerging risks in employment law, advising business partners on practical implications and proactive measures.
• Support and participate in cross‑functional projects related to overall business goals, such as data retention, data privacy, and supply chain ethics.
• Manage multiple priorities and projects independently, while staying aligned with business objectives and evolving legal requirements.
• Work independently and collaboratively at speed in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment.
• Other projects as directed by management.

• J.D. or equivalent law degree; licensed and in good standing in New York or qualified to register as in‑house counsel in New York.
• 4–9 years of labor & employment law experience, including in‑house experience with a multinational company or top‑tier law firm. Experience with California employment matters a major plus.
• Demonstrated ability to advise executives, HR leaders, and business stakeholders with clear, pragmatic, and business‑savvy counsel.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. employment laws (Title VII, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, etc.); familiarity with global legal frameworks.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and time‑management skills.
• Proven track record of managing complex investigations, disputes, and employment‑related risk.
• Comfortable to work up to 4 days a week in our NYC office.

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic fast‑paced environment at a company experiencing growth and transformation
• Exposure to rewarding…