Employment Counsel

This role will be based in either Switzerland, Italy or Spain.

Primary Function of Position:

Supporting the employment law function in EMEA, this position will apply Intuitive’s business goals, culture, and values to relevant employment law issues on various individual employment cases within EMEA, including specifically Spain, Italy, Portugal, and other countries as assigned. This role will provide legal guidance, monitor statutory developments, and incorporate outside counsel/consultant feedback to assess and recommend tactical approaches aligned to an established legal risk profile.

This role will serve as a legal advisor on employment law-related issues and assist in handling escalated employee relations (ER) matters mainly within our Spanish and/or Italian and/or Portuguese employee populations.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Support the employment law function of the Legal Department with a main focus on Spain, Italy and Portugal.
• Provide support on a range of employment law issues including recruiting, hiring, performance management, workforce restructuring, compensation and benefits, accommodations, leaves of absence, inclusion and diversity programs, contingent workforce management, and other employment law and Employee Relation (ER) matters.
• Assist in employment litigation and pre-litigation matters including administrative charges, government audits, and demand letters in conjunction with outside counsel and Intuitive’s global head of litigation.
• Collaborate with HR Compliance and internal stakeholders to develop employment-related policies, guidelines, and processes that balance pragmatism, risk, and compliance, consistent with Intuitive's culture and values.
• Assist in drafting and revising employment-related templates and documents such as offer letters, employment agreements, settlement, and separation agreements, as well as employee handbooks and work rules.
• Collaborate with regional HRBPs regarding performance management, ER cases, and investigations.
• Support internal investigations in consultation with HR and/or other internal partners, draft investigation reports, and provide recommendations on resolution of ER cases.
• Contribute to the creation and delivery of manager and/or employee training and education programs in support of a high-performance management culture and as a preventative measure.
• Monitor legal and legislative developments to help ensure compliance with international, federal, and local employment laws.
• Partner with local HRBP’s, the HR Compliance team, HR Operations team, EMEA Centers of Excellence, the regional legal team, and business leaders to ensure legally compliant and culturally consistent policies and practices.

Skills, Experience, Education, & Training:

• Law degree.
• 5+ years of legal experience, preferably with some in-house experience in an international environment.
• Fluent in English and either Italian or Spanish.
• Ability to manage legal risks and resolve disputes using both legal and non-legal skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present information succinctly.
• Ability to collaborate and build relationships across various organizational levels.
• Independent, proactive, and service-oriented attitude.
• Strong investigative, coaching, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, complex, and dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated integrity and commitment to ethical standards while handling sensitive and confidential issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.

Intuitive is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer:  In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employees
who are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.

Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government’s licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (“TCP”) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).  

For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee’s
start date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes.