The mission of Energizer’s Legal Department is to serve as a trusted business partner to our clients – utilizing our deep understanding of the business to proactively provide insights and data that help drive results, while also providing clear risk-based counsel to defend our brands. We champion our culture of compliance and live our corporate values of integrity, respect, teamwork, innovation, passion, and initiative. Our department works hard to help the Company deliver financial commitments, execute major corporate projects, and build a winning culture. As a team, we are passionate about investing time in our people to drive professional growth and advance careers, while supporting each other and having fun along the way.
Energizer is a global company that owns an extensive portfolio of some of the world’s most recognizable brands and icons, including Energizer® and the Energizer Bunny®, Rayovac®, Eveready®, VARTA®, Armor All®, STP®, A/C Pro®, Eagle One®, Lexol®, Nu Finish®, California Scents®, Refresh Your Car®, Driven® and Bahama & Co.®.
Energizer is seeking an attorney to join the Legal Department as Counsel, Labor, Employment and Benefits, reporting to the Associate General Counsel, Supply Chain, Operations and Human Resources. This role will handle enterprise-wide labor, employment, and benefits matters. We are looking for a dynamic subject matter expert who can cultivate key cross-functional relationships, fight fires as needed, and provide practical, risk-based advice that supports business objectives. This role requires a self-motivated, curious individual who enjoys interacting with clients and learning about Energizer’s operations.
Universal Accountabilities
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Excellent oral and written communication skills, with an ability to tailor messages to various audiences
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Strong legal and organizational judgment, with a demonstrated ability to drive solutions
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Ability to work as an impactful business partner by giving well-reasoned and balanced legal advice that is understandable to the business
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Ability to work both independently and as part of a team as projects dictate
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Ability to think strategically and find resolutions to complex legal issues
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Ability to quickly identify critical legal risks and to appreciate both the immediate and longer-term impacts of different approaches
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Ability to appropriately mitigate risk while remaining aligned with business objectives
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Ability to manage multiple, competing priorities simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
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Ability to prioritize time spent on matters by weighing value and risk
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Global mindset and ability to work virtually with colleagues in other regions of the world
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High initiative, self-starter who is curious about other areas of the law and Energizer’s business
Specific Accountabilities
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Provide day-to-day counseling on all labor and employment legal issues during the lifecycle of employment, from recruitment to performance management to termination, for all functions on a global basis
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Provide counseling and legal support to the Total Rewards team and Benefits Committee on global benefits issues, including health and welfare, retirement, perquisites, and severance
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Advise on issues related to leaves and accommodations
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Develop strategy and negotiate resolution of employment disputes
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Advise on the risk associated with employment law claims including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour claims
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Develop policies and training programs to meet employment law requirements and business needs
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Assist with adjusting grievances and administering collective bargaining agreements
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Stay updated on global labor, employment, and benefits laws and advise on their impact to the business
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Minimize legal exposure related to voluntary or involuntary terminations and reorganizations consistent with Company objectives
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Maintain global employment agreement templates and severance policies
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Assist with HR and Compliance investigations, as needed
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Work closely with other members of the Legal Department on cross-functional initiatives
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Other responsibilities as needed
Required Skills and Experience
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Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an accredited institution
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Member in good standing of at least one state bar
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4-6 years of relevant experience at a large law firm or as in-house counsel in a similar capacity
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Experience proactively advising on labor, employment, and benefits issues
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Experience with contested employment law matters (e.g., EEOC proceedings and lawsuits alleging discrimination, harassment, or retaliation)
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Experience working with and advising senior business leaders, specifically regarding employment law matters and the impact on strategic goals
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Strong customer service focus
Preferred Skills and Experience
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Prior in-house experience
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Experience advising on global employment law issues
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Experience managing outside counsel and establishing and monitoring legal budgets
