Legal Counsel - Employment

commercially balanced, and aligned with business objectives.You will also play a key role in strengthening internal legal capability, supporting consistency in ER processes, improving governance, and reducing reliance on external counsel.Location:Open to candidates based in Yorkshire, Manchester or Lancashire.Key Responsibilities:Provide expert legal advice on a wide range of employee relations matters, including disciplinaries, grievances, absence management and complex caseworkSupport HR and management teams with end-to-end ER case handling, ensuring fair, consistent and legally compliant outcomesAdvise on and support TUPE transfers, restructures, and organisational changeManage or support Employment Tribunal claims, working with external counsel where requiredProvide guidance on employment law risk and best practice across the businessSupport the development and review of policies, procedures, and governance frameworksDeliver pragmatic, commercially focused advice to operational

Lanes Group is a leading service provider to the UK's critical water and wastewater infrastructure networks, operating at scale across some of the most complex and demanding programmes in the country. Backed by one of the world's leading investment firms and entering a significant investment cycle, we are building our legal function and looking for our first employment lawyer to join our in-house team working directly with the General Counsel.Purpose of the role:We are seeking an experienced Employment Solicitor to join Lanes Group, supporting our operational business across the UK. This role will focus on delivering high-quality, pragmatic legal advice across employee relations (ER), TUPE and specialist employment matters, while also contributing to wider legal support across contracts and governance.Working closely with HR, operational leaders and senior stakeholders, you will act as a trusted legal advisor, managing complex ER issues and ensuring decisions are legally sound, stakeholdersContribute to training and upskilling managers on employment law and ER topicsAssist with wider legal work, including contracts, governance and general advisory supportSupport reporting and insight on ER trends to help improve business outcomesRequired:We are seeking candidates with around 3-6 years' PQE; however, we will also consider applicants who can demonstrate the required level of experience.Strong and demonstratable Employee Relations experienceSold experience handling complex ER casework and employment law adviceExperience supporting or advising on TUPE and organisational changeDesirable:Previous in-house experienceExperience within a multi-site, operations or high volume environmentExperience across broader legal work (contracts, governance)The Benefits:24 days annual leave plus bank holidaysFlexible workingFree on-site parkingCompany Pension
Living the Company Values:By embedding our companies core values and purpose into each role, ensures that every employee, regardless of their role or level, understands how their individual development and contributions align with our purpose of'improving today for a better tomorrow'.Each role and value has an alignment to set proficiency levels and expectations, this role holder is expected to:Leading: Acts as a role model, shaping the learning agenda and influencing change.Agile: Anticipates learning needs, adjusts quickly to changing operational contexts.Nurturing: Supports the development of others through coaching and structured development plans.Engaging: Inspires and motivates learners, builds trust and credibilitySafe & Secure:Ensures all learning is aligned to safety and compliance standards.Your Contribution to the company:Strive to be always positive and constructiveAdhere to all company policiesStraight talking about the facts of the situation - open discussions
are the best way to find solutionsHelp others through communicating clearlyDeliver on commitmentsEnsure that any ideas that may enhance the productivity or systems of the company are brought to the attention of Senior Management, or your colleaguesDeliver our Company Values understanding that by working together in unity we are 'Stronger Together'Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:At Lanes Group, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We believe that our differences make us stronger and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. Join us in our commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse world.