Director, Labor & Employment Counsel

Mattress Firm • Houston, TX

20h • Hybrid

About The Position

Mattress Firm's (HYBRID) Director, Labor & Employment Counsel is a mid-to-senior level attorney responsible for providing legal advice and guidance to Human Resources and other departments and handling lawsuits, claims and charges brought against the Company, primarily concerning labor and employment matters. This hybrid role will report to the BedQuarters location in Houston, TX 3 days each week and may work remotely the remainder of the week.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor's Degree required
• JD from an ABA-approved law school required
• 5+ Years of experience practicing Labor & Employment law required, with strong preference for attorneys that have worked at law firms or large corporations
• 2+ Years trial experience preferred
• In-depth experience advising on California labor and employment (including wage and hour) matters.
• Expertise in labor and employment law, negotiation and budget/reserve forecasting.
• Strong ability to translate legal advice into practical, actionable guidance for business partners.
• Strong ability to efficiently and independently lead, manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously, effectively guiding team members to achieve goals and tasks.
• Highly skilled at identifying, interpreting and articulating issues that may impact business objectives and developing practical solutions respecting such issues.
• High ethical standards, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and ability to work effectively with diverse individuals at all levels of the Company.
• Ability to make sound, independent decisions and develop original ideas with a vision to implement them successfully.
• Ability to motivate and empower individuals and groups toward high standards of performance and engagement.
• Ability to collect, gather, visualize and analyze information in detail.
• Capable of identifying various aspects of a problem and understanding why a problem exists in order to develop a workable solution.
• Expert-level knowledge of labor and employment laws
• Microsoft Office products – high proficiency
• Experienced in cross-functional business advising
• California labor and employment law
• Licensed to practice law in Texas (or eligible to be licensed – via reciprocity/waiver - in Texas without having to take the Texas bar exam) required
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship.
• We require proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• attorneys that have worked at law firms or large corporations
• 2+ Years trial experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Research, monitor, and maintain current, working knowledge of laws and regulations applicable to the Company’s operations, with a primary focus on labor and employment matters.
• Oversee and manage litigation matters, primarily labor and employment–related, including coordinating strategy and participating in mediations, arbitrations, depositions, and trials as necessary
• Supervise and manage outside counsel, including scope, performance, and cost management.
• Forecast and manage litigation budgets, including legal fees and settlement reserves.
• Manage and coordinate the Company’s response to investigations, audits, and inquiries from government agencies, including the Department of Labor (DOL), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
• Review, assess, and respond to subpoenas, administrative charges, claims, and demand letters, primarily those relating to employment matters.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to develop, implement, and maintain policies, processes, and controls to assess, monitor, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, with an emphasis on labor and employment compliance.
• Provide day‑to‑day legal advice and counsel to Human Resources on employee‑related matters, including but not limited to payroll practices, commission plans, performance management, progressive discipline, leaves of absence, and terminations.
• Advise on labor relations matters, including interpretation and administration of union agreements, and manage discussions or negotiations with union representatives as required.
• Identify training needs and develop, coordinate, and deliver training programs for managers and other relevant employees on employment‑related topics.
• Coordinate and review the development of training and compliance materials related to labor and employment matters.
• Participate in strategic initiatives and special projects as assigned.
• Complete all required Company training modules and professional certifications by required deadlines.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with internal stakeholders, external partners, regulatory agencies, and outside counsel.
• Comply with all Company policies, procedures, and standards of conduct.
• Escalate material issues, risks, or concerns to leadership to support effective department operations and enterprise risk management.
• Support people‑management responsibilities, including executing performance improvement plans, progressive discipline, and terminations in accordance with Company policy, when applicable.
• Ensure all safety policies and procedures are followed for a safe work environment for all.
• Follow all company policies and execute Company standards on appearance and functionality as well as appropriate brand representation.
• Communicate any concerns or issues to leadership to ensure proper efficiency of department and company operations.
• Provide practical legal advice and guidance that mitigates risk while enabling the business to operate efficiently and remain flexible.
• Support and execute Company initiatives and other duties as assigned by management.
• Maintain and enhance job‑related knowledge by participating in continuing education, professional development, and training opportunities.
• Take ownership of new and evolving responsibilities, proactively identifying opportunities to add value and strengthen the effectiveness of individual contributions, the Legal Department, and the Company.
• Contribute ideas and recommendations to improve team collaboration, departmental processes, and overall Company operations.
• Communicate professionally and effectively in all interactions with internal and external stakeholders.

Benefits

• Excellent career growth opportunities through on-the-job training and development programs
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Mental health and life resources
• Medical, dental, prescription, and vision plans
• Get paid on-demand
• Base pay or uncapped commission
• Employee discounts on Mattress Firm sleep products and accessories

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees