Head of Employment

Our client is seeking a Permanent Head of Employment to lead and develop their busy employment law team based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. In this senior role, you will be responsible for providing expert legal advice on a wide range of employment law matters, managing the department’s strategic growth, and maintaining strong client relationships. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future direction of the employment practice, contributing to business development initiatives, and leading the team to deliver high-quality service and advice. This role offers the opportunity to influence the department’s growth within a well-established regional law firm, working in a supportive environment that values professionalism and client care.

About You

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales
• Significant post-qualification experience in employment law
• Strong technical knowledge across contentious and non-contentious employment matters
• Proven ability to manage a caseload independently whilst ensuring high-quality client service
• Leadership experience or demonstrated potential to lead and develop a team
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Established local or regional client/referrer network (desirable)
• Advocacy experience in Employment Tribunal (desirable)
• Experience advising across various sectors and business development experience (desirable)

Key Responsibilities

Legal & Technical Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on employment law matters, including contracts, policies, disciplinary, grievance, redundancies, TUPE, discrimination, whistleblowing, unfair dismissal, settlement agreements, restrictive covenants, and confidentiality
• Manage and conduct Employment Tribunal litigation, including advocacy where appropriate
• Ensure advice aligns with legal standards, is commercially focused, and supports clients’ business objectives
• Maintain compliance with SRA standards and internal risk procedures

Department Leadership & Management

• Lead and supervise the employment team, providing mentorship and performance management
• Develop departmental strategy covering workflow, pricing, and service enhancements
• Support recruitment, training, and development of junior staff
• Foster a collaborative team culture aligned with the firm’s values

Business Development & Client Relationships

• Contribute to the firm’s business development goals by building and maintaining relationships with employer clients and referrers
• Represent the firm at networking events and seminars, delivering training and updates on employment law
• Work collaboratively with other departments to cross-refer work and provide comprehensive client advice
• Identify growth opportunities for the employment practice and expand the client base

What In It For You?

This is a senior, influential role within a well-respected regional law firm, offering the chance to shape and grow the employment department. The position features a competitive salary and benefits package, supported by a modern office environment in Harrogate. You will enjoy a professional, supportive working atmosphere with clear opportunities for progression, contributing to the firm’s reputation within the Yorkshire legal market. The firm promotes quality, client care, and a collaborative approach, making this an excellent career move for an experienced employment solicitor looking to take the next step into leadership.

If you would like to apply for this Head of Employment role in Harrogate, then contact Jack Scarlott on 0113 467 9782 or another member of the private practice team. To hear about the other opportunities we have, please visit our website.

Alternatively, if you know of anyone who would be suitable for this role, then please let them or us know, as we offer a reward for successful referrals. For full terms, please see our website.