Legal Employment Counsel

Employment Legal Counsel

(Fulltime, 32–38 hrs per week)

Are you a skilled Employment Legal Counsel ready to step into a role where you can make a real impact? Within our HR team at Action, you'll work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where you manage a variety of labour-related cases, provide strategic support, and contribute to both Dutch and international HR initiatives. This role offers you the opportunity to work independently while being part of an experienced and supportive legal team.

This is your daily Action

As our Employment Legal Counsel, you’ll be part of the HR team at Action’s International Headquarters in Zwaagdijk-Oost. In this role, you will primarily focus on Dutch individual employment cases within our IHQ and Distribution Centre (DC) teams including matters such as dismissal, sickness, and underperformance. You’ll work closely with HR Business Partners and HR Managers, serving as their first point of contact.
You will also deliver regular training, develop and update templates and documents, and help ensure consistent employment law practices across our Dutch organisation. In collaboration with the wider HR Legal team, you’ll keep the business aligned with developments in Dutch labour law and support with the implementation of legislative changes.

In addition to the Dutch scope, you’ll support international HR legal projects where needed acting as a back-up for speak-up cases, assisting with reporting and documentation, and supporting our legal efforts across our growing network of countries. Depending on the topic, you may also take part in broader HR projects.
Action’s rapid growth and international presence make this a role with real breadth and opportunity. If you’re looking for a challenging position that combines operational excellence with legal expertise, this is it.

Meet your team

Our IHQ HR department consists of several centres of expertise: Recruitment, Compensation & Benefits, Talent Development, HR Projects, and HR Legal. Our HR Services department handles payroll and administration for all employees. You will be part of the HR Legal team and report to the HR Director, working alongside senior legal experts and supporting HR colleagues at all levels.

Within this team, you’ll have your own area of responsibility while contributing to team-wide knowledge sharing and alignment across departments. You’ll regularly update colleagues on legal developments and provide practical guidance that makes a difference on the ground.

Do you want to help us further professionalise our HR team with your ideas and expertise? Take Action!

This is you

You are a confident legal professional who is solution-oriented and able to manage cases independently. You thrive in an international, fast-paced setting and are comfortable working with different stakeholders. You have a keen eye for detail, strong analytical skills, and a pragmatic mindset. You take initiative, are stress-resistant, and can translate complex legal issues into clear, practical advice.

In addition, you bring:

• 5 to 7 years of relevant experience in Dutch employment law, preferably in-house
• Strong working knowledge of Dutch labour law and case handling
• Experience creating templates, policies, and legal documentation
• Training and presentation skills - you’re comfortable guiding HR teams
• Excellent communication skills in both Dutch and English
• An interest or experience in international employment law is a plus

What we offer

Surprisingly much! From our international headquarters in the Netherlands, you’ll help shape what happens in our stores and offices across Europe. With over 3000 stores in 13 countries and over 18 million customers each week, we’re growing fast and so can you.

Whether it’s a new position, a project, or a skill you want to develop, we offer opportunities for continuous professional growth in a culture that lives by our shared values: customer focus, teamwork, simplicity, discipline, cost-consciousness, and respect.

You can also count on us for:

• 24 vacation days (option to buy 5 extra days), flexible hours, and hybrid working (3 days in office).
• Bonus based on company and personal performance.
• Shuttle service to and from Hoorn Station & HQ
• Pension, collective health insurance, travel allowance, and 15% staff discount.
• Extensive learning opportunities at Action Academy.
• Company laptop and mobile phone provided.

How we contribute to society

At Action, we believe business can be a force for good. We support over 2,500 children in SOS Children’s Villages, prioritise diversity and inclusion in our workforce (155+ nationalities!), and ensure our operations are increasingly sustainable. 94% of our wood and 100% of our cotton are sustainably sourced, and nearly all stores use energy-efficient LED lighting. Join us and help make a difference — for our people, our planet, and our future.

Interested?

We’re proud to be an inclusive employer and warmly welcome anyone who sees themselves in this role to apply. So take Action and respond to this vacancy now!

What happens next:

1. Our recruiter will review your application and contact you.
2. You’ll be invited for a first interview.
3. We’ll ask you to complete an online assessment.
4. You’ll be invited for a second interview, where we’ll discuss your assessment.
5. If it’s a match, we’ll welcome you to the team!

Throughout the process, your recruiter will be your point of contact and available to answer any questions you may have.