Employment Counsel, Corporate

Job Description:

Title : Employment Counsel, Corporate

Locations: McLean, VA

Workstyle: Onsite (5 days a week)

Mars does not sponsor visas for this role. This position is not eligible for relocation benefits

The Employment Counsel, Corporate role provides high-quality legal support and subject‑matter expertise on various employment law matters including global projects and initiatives, executive matters, global, regional and local level corporate matters such as Reward and Pay Equity/Transparency, Inclusion and Diversity, EEO and Workforce Data Reporting, Compliance, Ombudsman, Corporate Development transactions, and related litigation. This role plays an important part in scaling and strengthening Mars’ corporate global employment law function. The counsel role partners with various internal stakeholders and external advisors to ensure legal solutions are aligned to business objectives and evolving legal requirements.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Global Strategic Employment Priorities and Projects Support:
Partner and support on global employment law priorities and projects including initial review and coordination of global policies and practices (e.g., contractors, AI); coordinate with regional Mars counsel and local counsel on cross‑border and global initiatives as needed.

Executive Matters:

Support global employment law function with executive matters including preparing initial agreements, updating templates and assist in review of restrictive covenants, investigations, claims, hires, departures and related agreements. 

Compliance/EEO/Inclusion & Diversity:
Serve as a primary Legal resource for EEO and employment-related federal contractor compliance and agency matters in partnership with Associate Relations. Partner with global I&D team, Corporate Affairs and other stakeholders for ongoing legal review of communications and other matters.

Pay Data Analytics, Reporting & Transparency:

Partner and provide support to Rewards, P&O and Talent Acquisition on global, regional and local pay transparency and equity reviews and legally required reporting including participation in project calls and coordination; review and advise on evolving global, regional, state, and local requirements and associated risks.

Corporate Development:
Provide support on employment-related matters in M&A context including review of agreements, diligence and related matters and identify issues for further review and escalation.

Litigation:

Support on discovery matters and litigation related to the above.

Collaboration & Enablement:
Report to and partner closely with the Assistant General Counsel,

Global Employment - Corporate; manage outside counsel; cross-functional coordination and project management across business segments, Human Resources and Legal.

What are we looking for ?

• Juris Doctor (JD) from accredited law school required

• 5- 7 years of relevant legal experience ideally with in-house experience at a multinational company

• Broad-based legal experience supporting on employment matters, ideally with a global, cross-segment perspective

• Strong business acumen and stakeholder partnership

• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Capable of analyzing complex legal and policy issues from a commercial perspective.

• Good relationship and influencing skills.

• Excellent organization, execution, and project management skills.

• Strong, flexible team player and collaborator

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.

• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

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