Director, Employment Counsel (EMEA)

Works closely with business and functional units within designated Stryker divisions and/or countries abroad on a wide range of employment law matters, including legal and compliance issues consistent with laws, regulations, and Stryker policies. HR team, and the European Legal team to provide timely and valuable legal advice on a wide range of matters related to employment policies, practices and disputes.

• Partner with senior HR, business and functional leaders within assigned regions, countries and/or functional areas to set strategy regarding time-sensitive and complex labor and employment issues with divisional impact.

• Provide timely and strategic advice to business stakeholders and COE partners based upon deep understanding of regional, divisional and/or Group business priorities and goals, in accordance with local law.

• Negotiate settlement of complex employment claims.

• Advise on complex reorganizations and restructurings with pan-European and/or multi-regional impact.

• Develop business protection strategies, including use of fidelity agreements and confidentiality/trade secret protections, taking into account competitive landscape, country requirements, privacy and data protection requirements, and business goals to drive/complement enterprise-wide strategy.

• Conduct and/or advise on sensitive internal investigations regarding suspected violations of Stryker policy and/or law.

• Develop and/or advise on EMEA HR policies and procedures with regional impact.

• Develop and/or conduct trainings regarding EMEA labor and employment practices, and developments in employment laws across the region.

• Develop and support strategy for employment litigation matters within assigned countries.

• Direct and/or advise on employment-related merger and acquisition due diligence, deal negotiation and integration activities. 

• Independently draft, edit and negotiate employment-related contracts.

• Follow and educate others on internal processes to drive enterprise-wide consistency and best practices.

• Collaborate and communicate with colleagues, management, and outside counsel.

• Assist on other matters as needed.

Education & Special Trainings:

• Law degree and ability to practice law in Europe.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum 8 years applicable professional experience; prior professional experience considered.

• Expertise with pan-European employment laws and practices and ability to practice in a matrixed, multi-national corporation required. Experience with works councils, unions, M&A, TUPE, and GDPR/privacy preferred.

• Demonstrates strong judgment, professional demeanor and business acumen.

• Demonstrates the ability to work effectively with colleagues in a global organization.

• Embraces and supports change in a dynamic environment.

• Reacts positively to changing needs and demands.

• Demonstrates the ability to inspire, educate and empower others.

• Ability to work well independently and in a team.

• Possesses strong analytical and drafting skills.

• Experience providing timely legal advice in a highly regulated environment preferred.

• Demonstrates a commitment to integrity and accountability.

• Provides guidance and direction to others and demonstrates strong potential leadership skills.

• Possesses strong communication skills and ability to convey complex legal principles clearly and concisely.

• Has a general understanding of business financials and reporting.

• Has the ability to allocate resources effectively and, where relevant, has a general understanding of the budgeting process, expense and headcount management.

• Possesses strong organizational skills and is able to manage numerous projects and conflicting demands in a fast-paced environment.

• Possesses strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate at all levels of corporate organization.

• Maintains confidential information.

• Demonstrates proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite.

• English language fluency required. French and/or German language proficiency preferred.