Employment Solicitor/Senior Solicitor

Optical Express is the UK’s leading provider of laser eye surgery, lens replacement, and private eyecare services. With a nationwide network of clinics and over a thousand of employees, we are committed to delivering exceptional patient care supported by robust legal, ethical, and operational standards. As our organisation continues to grow, we are seeking a skilled Employment Lawyer to join our in‑house legal team. The Employment Lawyer will act as a key legal advisor to the business on all employment law matters, providing high-quality, timely, and commercially focused legal support across the organisation. The role will involve advising on both contentious and non-contentious employment issues, supporting HR with policy development, managing litigation risk, and ensuring the company’s people practices remain compliant with UK employment legislation. This role is suited to a confident, pragmatic lawyer with a minimum of 5 years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) in employment law, ideally gained across a combination of private practice and in-house environments. Advisory & Compliance Provide expert legal advice on a wide range of employment law matters, including disciplinary and grievance issues, absence management, discrimination, TUPE, redundancy, performance management, and employee relations. Partner with HR and operational teams to interpret legal obligations and embed best practice people management. Draft, review, and maintain employment contracts, HR policies, handbooks, and related documentation. Monitor developments in employment legislation and case law, ensuring the business remains compliant and informed. Litigation & Dispute Resolution Manage Employment Tribunal claims from instruction through to resolution, including drafting pleadings, preparing witness statements, liaising with external counsel, and supporting hearings as required. Work proactively with stakeholders to identify legal risk, resolve disputes early, and minimise exposure. Projects & Strategic Support Provide legal input into strategic HR initiatives, including organisational restructures, TUPE transfers, change programmes, and employee engagement projects. Deliver training and legal updates to HR teams and managers. Support senior leadership with complex, sensitive, or high-risk people matters. Corporate & Commercial Support Advise on employment aspects of commercial agreements, consultancy arrangements, and third-party relationships. Qualified Solicitor in Scotland, or England & Wales with a willingness to advise on Scottish employment law (with support where required). Minimum of 5 years’ PQE specialising in Employment Law. Proven experience managing Employment Tribunal litigation. Commercially minded with the ability to balance legal risk and business objectives. Willingness to travel across the UK as required. Experience delivering training or presenting complex legal concepts to non-legal audiences. Working knowledge of data protection and privacy issues in the employment context. Pragmatic and solutions-focused with a strong commercial mindset. Competitive salary and benefits package. Opportunities for ongoing professional development. A supportive in‑house legal team within a dynamic and growing business….