Head Global Labor & Employment Counsel

The Head Global Labor & Employment Counsel serves as the primary legal point of contact for the Chief People Officer (CPO) and the global Human Resources team. This role requires specialized expertise to provide strategic, business-savvy counsel on global labor and employment matters. You will solve complex problems, taking a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions that balance business needs with legal risk mitigation. As a self-starter comfortable with high levels of autonomy, you will handle day-to-day matters with promptness and reliability while leading long-term strategic projects to modernize Nielsen’s HR policies and practices. 

Responsibilities:

Strategic Advisory: Serve as a strategic partner to the CPO and HR leadership, designing and implementing long-term global initiatives.

Team Leadership & Mentorship: Provide direct supervision and strategic mentorship to the Senior Counsel, Global Employment, fostering a high-performing legal team that delivers timely, high-quality advice while ensuring internal alignment on global labor strategies. 

Operational Excellence: Manage day-to-day legal matters promptly and reliably, maintaining a responsive, client-friendly approach.

Policy & Practice Evolution: Evaluate, improve, and update global and country-specific employment policies and practices to drive compliance and workplace effectiveness.

Financial Stewardship: Proactively manage and reduce outside counsel spend through internal expertise and efficient matter management.

Full Lifecycle Counsel: Provide in-house legal guidance on all stages of the employee life cycle, including talent acquisition, compensation, benefits, performance management, and restructurings.

Litigation & Investigations: As directed by Nielsen’s Head of Litigation & Dispute Resolution, manage global employment disputes, litigation, and agency matters (e.g., EEOC, OFCCP), and support internal investigations managed by Nielsen’s Global Head of Compliance & Integrity.

Labor Relations: Provide guidance regarding global labor organizations and works councils.

M&A Support: Conduct diligence and provide employment law counsel for global mergers and acquisitions.