Senior Employment Counsel

Job Description

Agilent Technologies is a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets. We empower scientists and researchers to deliver insights that improve the quality of life. We are seeking a Senior Employment Counsel to provide strategic, business-oriented advice on employment law matters with a strong emphasis on the Americas as well as global, programmatic and policy support.  In this role, you will help enable the business and protect the company by delivering practical, risk-balanced solutions grounded in operational excellence and logic-based decision making.

The Opportunity

As Senior Employment Counsel, you will serve as a trusted advisor to HR and business leaders on a wide range of employment law issues. This role has a global remit and requires strong judgment, practical problem-solving, and the ability to manage complex matters in a fast-paced, matrixed environment. You will approach challenges with front-foot, positive intent, ensuring that legal guidance supports business objectives while safeguarding compliance.

What You’ll Do

• Provide day-to-day counseling on employment law issues, including hiring, accommodation, performance management, terminations (that are not otherwise related to misconduct), wage & hour, leaves, and pay transparency.

• Partner with HR and business leaders on organizational changes, including RIFs and restructurings (WARN and state equivalents, partnering with the HR Ethics team as required for local labor law requirements).

• Support global employment initiatives and advise on cross-border issues in collaboration with HR and external advisors.

• Advise on sensitive employee relations matters and partner with HR Ethics on investigations as appropriate.

• Manage pre-litigation disputes and agency charges and manage outside counsel on employment litigation.

• Provide ERISA support in collaboration with Compensation & Benefits and external advisors, ensuring compliance and operational excellence.

• Provide legal support for Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) matters, reinforcing our commitment to a safe and compliant workplace.

• Collaborate with Legal Compliance and HR Ethics on the drafting and update of employment policies, procedures, and other necessary templates; ensure policies, procedures and other template documents comply with evolving laws and regulations.

• Provide guidance on contingent workforce, remote work, and hybrid work arrangements.

• Support employment aspects of M&A transactions, including due diligence and integration planning.

• Monitor legal developments and translate them into practical guidance for HR and business stakeholders.

Qualifications

• J.D. and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.

• 15+ years of employment law experience, including significant U.S. counseling and exposure to global issues.

• 3+ years of counseling multinational life sciences companies in the employment law space is required.

• Combination of law firm and in-house experience preferred.

• Strong experience with investigations, wage & hour, leaves, and separations.

• Ability to manage outside counsel and partner effectively with internal litigation teams.

• Excellent judgment, communication, and project management skills.

• Preferred:

• Experience with works councils or collective labor matters (nice to have).

• Familiarity with global employment policies and compliance frameworks.

• Exposure to employment aspects of M&A transactions.

Additional Details

This job has a full time weekly schedule. It includes the option to work remotely. Applications for this job will be accepted until at least November 18, 2025 or until the job is no longer posted.

The full-time equivalent pay range for this position is $216,800.00 - $338,750.00/yr plus eligibility for bonus, stock and benefits. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. During the hiring process, a recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for a preferred location. Pay and benefit information by country are available at: https://careers.agilent.com/locations

Agilent Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity and merit-based employer that values individuals of all backgrounds at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases. Agilent Technologies, Inc., is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive in the workplace where everyone is welcome, and strives to support candidates with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance with any part of the application or interview process or have questions about workplace accessibility, please email [email protected] or contact +1-262-754-5030. For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please visit www.agilent.com/en/accessibility.Travel Required: OccasionalShift: DayDuration: No End DateJob Function: Legal