PetSmart Store Support Group, Inc.
Senior Counsel - Labor & Employment
PetSmart Store Support Group, Inc., Phoenix, Arizona, United States, 85003
About the Team
The Legal & Corporate Affairs team is responsible for safeguarding the company’s reputation, ensuring we are operating with integrity and in line with our strategic initiatives. The Legal team provides high-quality legal services, ensures legal compliance and mitigates risks. The Corporate Communications team works to execute strategic and effective communication efforts that drive brand awareness, preference and reputation with internal and external stakeholders. In addition, the Corporate Social Responsibility & Belonging teams support the company’s environmental and social commitments with a strong focus on pets, people and the planet. The collective team supports the overall success and positive reputation of the company.
About the Location Collaborative Work Environment
At PetSmart, teamwork and connection are core to how we thrive. This role is based at our Phoenix Home Office, with an expectation of working a minimum of four days in the office each week. In a standard work week, associates may work up to one remote “flex day” (with leader approval). Our hybrid approach is designed to foster strong collaboration while also supporting flexibility and individual success.
About the Job SUMMARY Reporting to the Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, this job is responsible for providing strategic guidance and support to management and human resources professionals on routine and complex labor and employment matters as well as managing employment litigation matters.
Duties and Responsibilities
Serve as point of contact to human resources and provide SME support to operations on labor and employment matters in the US.
Provide advice and counsel to management and HR professionals on all aspects of day-to-day employment-related matters, including hiring and termination issues, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, reasonable accommodations, leaves of absence, wage and hour issues, restrictive covenants, employee investigations.
Review legislative trends and remain up to date on changes in the law to proactively advise the business.
Conduct research on legal matters, draft legal memoranda, and provide legal advice to the company.
Investigate and represent the company at the federal and state administrative level (EEOC, DOL and state and local analogue agencies). Prepare position statements coordinating with outside counsel, where appropriate.
Manage employment litigation, develop strategy, facilitate discovery, consult on key decisions.
Represent the Company in mediations and negotiate settlement agreements.
Develop, provide, and deliver proactive training to Human Resources professionals and business leaders on a wide variety of employment law matters.
Manage outside counsel resources and legal fees in accordance with budgetary commitments and an eye towards lowering PetSmart legal fees.
Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required.
Juris Doctor from an accredited law school required.
Admitted to a state Bar with in-house admission in Arizona.
Minimum of 5 years related and relevant experience required.
Must be able to balance business needs and corporate goals within the appropriate legal framework and with a large emphasis on compliance.
Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
Must provide strategic high-level legal counsel as a partner to senior business leaders and Human Resources professionals.
Must possess good business judgment and effective interpersonal skills.
Must be able to prioritize and manage numerous matters simultaneously.
Prior in-house experience preferred, but not required.
Preferred experience:
Prior experience defending wage and hour class actions as outside or in-house counsel (in California and/or elsewhere in the U.S.)
Labor experience.
Prior experience advising internal clients on compliance and risk mitigation for wage and hour exposure (in California and/or elsewhere in the U.S.)
Retail experience a plus.
Additional Job Considerations
This role requires collaboration, teamwork, and face-to-face interaction with colleagues, leaders, and/or clients.
Being in the office ensures access to leaders, cross-functional partners, and resources necessary to make timely decisions and drive results.
On-site presence in accordance with our FlexSmart policy supports our culture of innovation, mentorship, and engagement, which is integral to our success in developing the best team.
* This is not intended to be an all-inclusive, exhaustive list of all essential job functions for this position. PetSmart retains the right to change or assign other required job duties to this position.
About the Culture At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed.
We’re more than a workplace, we’re Team PetSmart. Together, we grow, collaborate, and challenge ourselves to be the best in all we do. Our culture is built on belonging and shared purpose, where every voice and experience matters. Guided by our values, we strive to do what’s right, lead responsibly, and bring our passion for pets to life every day. Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We’d still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You might be the right fit for this role or another opportunity across Team PetSmart.
Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:
Pet-friendly environment, bring your pets to work and enjoy the on-site dog park!
On-Site Events & Adoptions, enjoy community-building opportunities, including pet adoption days, seasonal celebrations, family events, art events, & holiday festivals
"Top Dog" gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists, personal trainers, and wellness spaces
"Sit & Stay" Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options, snacks, & more
"Lil Paws" NAEYC-accredited onsite childcare facility providing high-quality early education
Paid Volunteer Opportunities to spend time doing good for causes close to heart
Print Center and Business Services, Dry Cleaning, Mother's Rooms, Sustainable Infrastructure & more
PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
About the Location Collaborative Work Environment
At PetSmart, teamwork and connection are core to how we thrive. This role is based at our Phoenix Home Office, with an expectation of working a minimum of four days in the office each week. In a standard work week, associates may work up to one remote “flex day” (with leader approval). Our hybrid approach is designed to foster strong collaboration while also supporting flexibility and individual success.
About the Job SUMMARY Reporting to the Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, this job is responsible for providing strategic guidance and support to management and human resources professionals on routine and complex labor and employment matters as well as managing employment litigation matters.
Duties and Responsibilities
Serve as point of contact to human resources and provide SME support to operations on labor and employment matters in the US.
Provide advice and counsel to management and HR professionals on all aspects of day-to-day employment-related matters, including hiring and termination issues, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, reasonable accommodations, leaves of absence, wage and hour issues, restrictive covenants, employee investigations.
Review legislative trends and remain up to date on changes in the law to proactively advise the business.
Conduct research on legal matters, draft legal memoranda, and provide legal advice to the company.
Investigate and represent the company at the federal and state administrative level (EEOC, DOL and state and local analogue agencies). Prepare position statements coordinating with outside counsel, where appropriate.
Manage employment litigation, develop strategy, facilitate discovery, consult on key decisions.
Represent the Company in mediations and negotiate settlement agreements.
Develop, provide, and deliver proactive training to Human Resources professionals and business leaders on a wide variety of employment law matters.
Manage outside counsel resources and legal fees in accordance with budgetary commitments and an eye towards lowering PetSmart legal fees.
Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required.
Juris Doctor from an accredited law school required.
Admitted to a state Bar with in-house admission in Arizona.
Minimum of 5 years related and relevant experience required.
Must be able to balance business needs and corporate goals within the appropriate legal framework and with a large emphasis on compliance.
Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
Must provide strategic high-level legal counsel as a partner to senior business leaders and Human Resources professionals.
Must possess good business judgment and effective interpersonal skills.
Must be able to prioritize and manage numerous matters simultaneously.
Prior in-house experience preferred, but not required.
Preferred experience:
Prior experience defending wage and hour class actions as outside or in-house counsel (in California and/or elsewhere in the U.S.)
Labor experience.
Prior experience advising internal clients on compliance and risk mitigation for wage and hour exposure (in California and/or elsewhere in the U.S.)
Retail experience a plus.
Additional Job Considerations
This role requires collaboration, teamwork, and face-to-face interaction with colleagues, leaders, and/or clients.
Being in the office ensures access to leaders, cross-functional partners, and resources necessary to make timely decisions and drive results.
On-site presence in accordance with our FlexSmart policy supports our culture of innovation, mentorship, and engagement, which is integral to our success in developing the best team.
* This is not intended to be an all-inclusive, exhaustive list of all essential job functions for this position. PetSmart retains the right to change or assign other required job duties to this position.
About the Culture At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed.
We’re more than a workplace, we’re Team PetSmart. Together, we grow, collaborate, and challenge ourselves to be the best in all we do. Our culture is built on belonging and shared purpose, where every voice and experience matters. Guided by our values, we strive to do what’s right, lead responsibly, and bring our passion for pets to life every day. Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We’d still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You might be the right fit for this role or another opportunity across Team PetSmart.
Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:
Pet-friendly environment, bring your pets to work and enjoy the on-site dog park!
On-Site Events & Adoptions, enjoy community-building opportunities, including pet adoption days, seasonal celebrations, family events, art events, & holiday festivals
"Top Dog" gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists, personal trainers, and wellness spaces
"Sit & Stay" Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options, snacks, & more
"Lil Paws" NAEYC-accredited onsite childcare facility providing high-quality early education
Paid Volunteer Opportunities to spend time doing good for causes close to heart
Print Center and Business Services, Dry Cleaning, Mother's Rooms, Sustainable Infrastructure & more
PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.
#J-18808-Ljbffr