Senior Legal Counsel, US & Canada Employment Advisory
About the position Reporting directly to the Global Head of Employment Advisory, this role serves as the primary employment law advisor for Swiss Re’s US and Canadian operations, supporting approximately 2,400 employees as part of an integrated global employment law team collectively supporting a workforce of over 15,000 employees worldwide. This is a hands-on advisory role covering the full spectrum of employment law matters, from day-to-day guidance through complex employee relations issues and strategic projects, including cross-border initiatives and organizational change. While the role does not include formal people management, it carries meaningful leadership through expertise, influence, and mentorship, including active development of a junior legal colleague based in Kansas City. This role is ideally suited for a proactive, solutions-oriented professional able to both dive into the details and communicate the big picture to drive effective legal outcomes in a dynamic and matrixed global environment. Responsibilities • Provide practical, solution-oriented legal advice across the full employee lifecycle, including hiring, performance management, investigations, accommodations, separations, and post-employment matters • Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of employment and HR-related agreements and policies • Advise on complex employment law aspects of restructurings, acquisitions, and other organizational changes, including cross-border and multinational projects • Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations, e.g. wage and hour, discrimination and harassment prevention, pay equity, workplace safety, data protection, and mobility-related matters • Act as a trusted advisor to HR and business stakeholders; monitor and interpret legal and regulatory developments in US and Canadian employment law, providing ad hoc and formal guidance and training • Manage employment-related disputes, including coordinating effectively with internal Litigation colleagues and outside counsel as necessary • Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of global and local employment law frameworks, processes, and best practices • Represent Swiss Re in external forums, conferences, or professional groups as appropriate Requirements • Minimum of 10+ years relevant employment law experience, ideally within a global, regulated organization; JD required • Deep knowledge of US employment law; experience advising on Canadian employment law matters strongly preferred • Strong familiarity with corporate HR operations and the employee lifecycle • Outstanding presentation, written, and oral communication skills, including drafting and negotiation • Ability to lead through influence and collaboration across jurisdictions, cultures, and time zones in a global, matrixed, cross-functional environment • Interest in mentoring and developing junior legal colleagues • Strong analytical skills and continuous learner mentality with commitment to timely, and solution-oriented client advisory on current and emerging legal issues and technologies • Organizational and project management skills; prior experience managing outside counsel preferred