Employment Attorney at Yum! Brands in Irvine, CA

Job description

Who is Taco Bell? Taco Bell was born and raised in California and has been around since 1962. We went from selling everyone’s favorite Crunchy Tacos on the West Coast to a global brand with 8,500+ restaurants, 350 franchise organizations, that serve 42+ million fans each week around the globe. We’re not only the largest Mexican-inspired quick service brand (QSR) in the world, we’re also part of the biggest restaurant group in the world: Yum! Brands. Much of our fan love and authentic connection with our communities are rooted in being rebels with a cause. From ensuring we use high quality, sustainable ingredients to elevating restaurant technology in ways that hasn’t been done before… we will continue to be inclusive, bold, challenge the status quo and push industry boundaries. We’re a company that celebrates and advocates for different, has bold self-expression, strives for a better future, and brings the fun while we’re at it. We fuel our culture with real people who bring unique experiences. We inspire and enable our teams and the world to Live Más. At Taco Bell, we’re Cultural Rebels. Want to join in on the passion-fueled fun? Learn more about the career below. About the Job: Taco Bell is seeking an experienced Employment Attorney to join its Legal Department. This position is accountable for providing strategic, business-focused legal counsel and support on a broad range of employment, labor, and employee relations matters across the organization. The role partners closely with People & Culture, Operations, and business leaders to proactively manage legal risk while supporting business objectives and championing Taco Bell's unique Live Más culture. The successful candidate will be a trusted advisor who brings practical, solution-oriented legal advice and can effectively navigate complex employment issues in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. This role reports to the Senior Director, Legal. The Day-to-Day: • Serve as the lead for US employment law advisor to People & Culture, Operations, and business leaders, providing strategic counsel on employee relations matters, including investigations, accommodations, leave management, wage and hour issues, performance management, and separations. • Develop and oversee the company’s traditional labor strategy, including advising on union organizing activity and campaigns, supporting response strategies, and managing outside labor counsel. Maintain a working knowledge of traditional labor law sufficient to identify risks, provide practical guidance, and effectively partner with outside counsel; deep subject-matter expertise is not required. • Partner with senior leaders on organizational changes, workforce planning initiatives, restructures, and other high-impact business decisions, balancing legal risk with practical business solutions. • Lead the company's response to employment-related claims, agency charges, investigations, subpoenas, demand letters, and pre-litigation matters, while managing outside counsel and litigation strategy. • Develop, review, and implement employment-related policies, procedures, training, and compliance programs that support business objectives and mitigate organizational risk. • Monitor and advise on federal, state, and local employment law developments, translating legal requirements into actionable guidance and best practices for the organization. • Act as a recognized subject matter expert and trusted advisor, influencing enterprise-wide employment practices and providing thought leadership on complex workplace issues. • Lead cross-functional initiatives and complex legal projects, building strong relationships across Legal, People & Culture, and business teams to drive alignment and results. • Mentor and develop junior legal team members and business partners while modeling Taco Bell's Live Más culture and fostering a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach. Is this you? • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree required and licensed member in good standing