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.

Experience: Minimum of 10–15 years of recognized expertise in labor and employment law. Ideally, candidates will have experience leading the labor/employment function for a global public company.

Education: J.D. and licensed to practice in the U.S.. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required; advanced certifications are strongly preferred.

Technical Depth: Specialized depth of expertise in global labor and employment laws combined with a growth mindset and the ability to interpret internal/external business challenges to recommend best practices.

Communication & Influence: Exceptional ability to communicate complex concepts and anticipate objections to facilitate informed stakeholder decisionmaking.

Leadership: Proven track record of leading others to solve complex problems using analytical thinking and sound judgment.

Travel: Ability to engage in occasional travel as required by the business.

Impact: Demonstrated ability to impact the achievement of client and operational objectives.

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Holistic Rewards: We are committed to an inclusive benefits package that supports our employees and their families. This includes comprehensive health and wellness plans, a 401(k) with a Nielsen company match, and a generous paid time off policy. Depending on the role, additional benefits may include a company-provided vehicle and/or discretionary incentive/bonus eligibility.

Compensation Transparency: The posted base salary range is a reasonable estimate that  may be adjusted based on the final work location of the selected employee. Individual pay within the range is determined by factors such as experience, training, geography, certifications, and business needs. Beyond base salary, this role may be eligible for bonuses, equity, or other incentives.

Nielsen makes hiring decisions without regard to disability status, protected veteran status, or membership in any other protected class.

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