Senior Labor & Employment Counsel

Job Description

Who we are

Saks Global is the largest multi‑brand luxury retailer in the world, comprising Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks OFF 5TH. Powered by our talented colleagues, we are redefining luxury shopping by offering each customer a personalized experience across our store network and e-commerce platforms. Through strong partnerships with the world’s most esteemed brands, cutting‑edge technology and the industry’s most comprehensive luxury customer data, Saks Global is shaping the future of retail.

You will be

As our Senior Labor & Employment (L&E) Counsel, you will be a trusted advisor to senior leadership, designing and implementing forward‑thinking L&E strategies that align with our brand’s values and operations. With your previous experience in employment law, workforce issues, and cross‑functional collaboration, you possess the hands‑on ability to own and lead initiatives related to risk mitigation, policy development, global compliance, and employee relations.

You will do

• Provide timely advice to internal business partners on all aspects of employment law, including hiring, performance management, compensation, benefits, accommodations, investigations, and terminations.
• Partner with the People team to proactively manage risk, draft policies, and advise on workforce strategy, employee relations, investigations, and all other aspects of employment law compliance.
• Design, develop, and implement employment policies, trainings, and compliance frameworks aligned with local laws and company values.
• Advise on internal investigations related to employee misconduct, discrimination, harassment, and whistleblower complaints, ensuring consistent, lawful, and brand-aligned outcomes.
• Provide strategic counsel on workforce restructuring, performance management, wage & hour issues, and employee transitions (hires, terminations, separations).
• Manage and partner with external counsel on litigation, administrative claims, and audits, maintaining alignment with company priorities and reputation.
• Collaborate on labor relations strategy and union matters, where applicable, with a focus on positive employee engagement.
• Monitor legal developments and emerging risks in employment law, advising business partners on practical implications and proactive measures.
• Support and participate in cross‑functional projects related to overall business goals, such as data retention, data privacy, and supply chain ethics.
• Manage multiple priorities and projects independently, while staying aligned with business objectives and evolving legal requirements.
• Work independently and collaboratively at speed in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Other projects as directed by management.

You will bring

• J.D. or equivalent law degree; licensed and in good standing in New York or qualified to register as in-house counsel in New York.
• 8-12+ years of labor & employment law experience, including in‑house experience with a multinational company or top‑tier law firm. Experience with California employment matters a major plus.
• Demonstrated ability to advise executives, HR leaders, and business stakeholders with clear, pragmatic, and business-savvy counsel.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. employment laws (Title VII, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, etc.); familiarity with global legal frameworks.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and time management skills.
• Proven track record of managing complex investigations, disputes, and employment-related risk.

Your life and career at Saks Global

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic fast paced environment at a company experiencing growth and transformation
• Exposure to rewarding career advancement opportunities across the largest multi‑brand luxury retailer from retail to distribution, to digital or corporate
• Comprehensive benefits package for all eligible full-time employees (including medical, vision and dental)
• An amazing employee discount

Benefits

We offer the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, disability insurance, and a variety of additional voluntary benefits (such as critical illness, hospital and accident insurance).

Saks.com is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Compensation for this role varies by geographic location. The listed range reflects multiple markets, including higher-cost areas. Actual starting pay will be determined based on work location, experience, and other job-related factors.