Vice President, Legal - Total Rewards and Employment

HP•Houston, TX

About The Position

HP’s Legal organization oversees all legal matters worldwide, including government relations, brand security, intellectual property, ethics and compliance, and regional legal support. Operating across a globally distributed workforce, the team brings together attorneys and non-attorneys in a highly collaborative environment grounded in integrity, inclusion, and forward-thinking problem solving. We are committed to fostering broad perspectives, driving innovation, and developing best-in-class talent in service of the business. HP is seeking a Vice President, Legal - Total Rewards & Employment to lead legal oversight across the full spectrum of employment, compensation, benefits, and equity matters for approximately 50,000 employees in over 170 countries. This is a critical Legal leadership role that will shape and drive HP’s legal strategy in a highly complex and evolving regulatory environment while enabling the company’s talent and business objectives. The role partners closely with HR, Total Rewards, Finance, and executive leadership to drive consistent, compliant, and competitive workforce practices globally. This leader is accountable for identifying and mitigating legal, financial, and reputational risks while supporting scalable, forward-looking compensation and benefits strategies.

Requirements

JD from an accredited university with strong academic credentials
Active bar membership in good standing
12+ years of combined law firm and in-house experience with significant leadership scope
Demonstrated experience advising on global employment law, executive compensation, benefits, and equity programs
Deep expertise in global employment law and labor frameworks
Strong command of compensation, benefits, and equity legal structures, including regulatory and governance considerations
Demonstrated success navigating complexity and ambiguity in global environments
Executive presence with a track record of influencing senior stakeholders and driving outcomes
Excellent business judgment with an enterprise risk lens
Ability to synthesize complex issues into clear, actionable guidance
Experience building alignment across Legal, HR, Finance, and business leaders
Track record of developing and leading high-performing teams
High degree of adaptability, resilience, and strategic thinking

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives, aligning legal strategy with business and talent priorities
Lead a global legal function spanning employment, labor, compensation, benefits, and equity
Set direction and governance for workforce-related legal risk across all regions
Lead legal strategy for executive compensation, incentive plans, and global equity programs
Advise on the structure and governance of benefits and total rewards programs, including retirement, health, and mobility
Ensure compliance with securities, tax, and employment regulations impacting compensation and equity programs
Guide pay equity, incentive design, and deferred compensation frameworks
Provide legal guidance across the full employee lifecycle, including hiring, performance management, and separations
Navigate complex international labor frameworks, including works councils and union environments
Integrate compensation and benefits considerations into employment-related decisions
Anticipate and mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risks across workforce and rewards practices
Oversee government inquiries, claims, and disputes related to employment, pay practices, and benefits
Align with litigation strategy on employment and compensation-related matters
Partner with HR, Total Rewards, and Finance on workforce and compensation strategy
Support diligence and integration of employment and rewards programs associated with M&A activity
Partner with the Ethics and Compliance Office on sensitive internal reviews involving workplace conduct and compensation-related issues
Build and lead a high-performing global team
Manage external counsel and optimize delivery of legal services
Establish frameworks, guidance, and training to address evolving regulatory requirements

Benefits

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Long term/short term disability insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Life insurance
Generous time off policies, including; 4-12 weeks fully paid parental leave based on tenure
11 paid holidays
Additional flexible paid vacation and sick leave