Job Description

At HelloConnect, you will be part of a dynamic team in Manila, Philippines that embraces innovation and leverages advanced technology to create exceptional experiences. Our culture is built on collaboration, continuous learning and a commitment to excellence. You’ll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects, develop your skills and grow within a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences.

In this role as Labor & Employment Counsel, you will take on a key responsibility in serving as the company’s in-house legal expert on Philippine labor and employment law and data privacy, ensuring full compliance with DOLE regulations and the Data Privacy Act of 2012. You will provide strategic advice to mitigate legal risks, contributing to our ongoing efforts to drive business success and enhance customer satisfaction.

We’re looking for passionate individuals who can bring their unique skills and ideas to the table. Even if you don't meet every requirement but believe you’d excel in this role, we’d love to hear from you!

What you’ll do

• Provide expert advice on all aspects of Philippine labor and employment law, ensuring compliance with the Labor Code, DOLE regulations, and related government issuances.
• Draft, review, and update employment contracts, company policies, and employee handbooks.
• Support the development and execution of strategies by advising HR and management on employee relations issues, disciplinary actions, terminations, and grievance handling.
• Contribute valuable insights by interpreting new laws, issuances, and jurisprudence affecting BPO employment practices and updating management accordingly.
• Manage and prioritize workloads by representing the company in labor-related proceedings before DOLE, NLRC, or other agencies.
• Build strong relationships across departments by conducting training for HR, Operations, and Management teams on relevant labor regulations and compliance requirements.
• Support leadership in strategic decision-making by providing legal support during workforce restructuring, retrenchment, redundancy, or outsourcing transitions.
• Act as the Compliance Officer and Data Protection Officer and liaise with government agencies (DOLE, NLRC, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG) on compliance matters.

What you’ll bring

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB or JD) from a recognized university and Member in good standing of the Philippine Bar.
• Minimum of years’ experience in labor and employment law, preferably with exposure to the BPO or service industry.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, including handling DOLE audits, employee disputes, and policy development.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with diverse teams across regions and articulate legal advice clearly in English and Filipino.
• Detail orientation with a deep understanding of Philippine labor legislation, jurisprudence, and compliance standards.
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to balance legal compliance with operational practicality.
• A team-oriented approach, with the ability to manage sensitive matters with confidentiality and discretion.
• Proficiency in using business systems, tools, and technology to deliver services effectively.

What we offer

• Competitive Compensation: Beyond the standard package, we offer perks like Long Service Benefits (anniversary bonus) to recognize and celebrate your dedication. We offer competitive compensation and benefits.
• Wellness & Perks: We prioritize your well-being by offering mental health support, HMO medical coverage, generous leave benefits plus life insurance for both you and your family's peace of mind.
• Growth Opportunities: Invest in your personal development with an annual learning & development budget, plus access to the Learning platform. You'll have the opportunity to influence company-wide labor strategy and compliance standards.
• Dynamic Environment: Join a rapidly growing global Business Process Outsourcing company, where you'll collaborate with a diverse community spanning across multiple continents and cultures. We offer a dynamic, people-first culture built on fairness, growth, and transparency.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a healthy balance between your professional and personal life, with a supportive environment that prioritizes your well-being and personal time.

Location: BGC (7th Floor, Inoza Tower, 40th Street, BGC, Taguig City)

Are you up for the challenge?

The first step to your new role starts here. Send in your application, along with your salary expectations and preferred start date. Our dedicated team will thoroughly review your details. We are excited to connect with you soon!

#helloconnect

#LI-Hybrid

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Harbor is seeking a Contracts Lawyer to join our growing consulting delivery team in the Philippines. By providing strategic, technology, and operational services to clients in the legal, professional, and financial services industries. Our Contracts Counsel Team is a highly talented group of legal professionals who offer a unique blend of consulting and legal experience across several industries and disciplines. 

Our employees are our greatest competitive advantage. The Business Operation Solutions (BOS) group assists clients in procuring goods and services, reducing costs across a variety of areas, optimizing business processes, and improving stakeholder value. 

This is a matrix role that primarily reports to a Business Unit Client Lead, with day-to-day work assignments managed at the client level. The role is also supported by the broader Contracts Team, which provides legal oversight, coverage, and training. 

As part of Harbor’s BOS team, you will work closely with project team members and client personnel to facilitate the review of vendor contracts, support negotiations, and ensure adherence to both client and Harbor contract administration processes. You will play a key role in mitigating risk and creating value through effective application of contract   standards, risk analysis, and negotiation, particularly within the context of US commercial contracting frameworks. 

This is a hybrid role based out of Harbor’s Makati City office, requiring a combination of in-office and remote work. Due to the global nature of the role, candidates must be willing to work USA Central Time (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT) hours on a regular basis. 

Responsibilities: 

• Apply playbook standards to review, redline, and edit contract language. 
• Identify contractual options and strategies to resolve negotiation roadblocks under US   legal frameworks. 
• Liaise with client in-house counsel for contract approvals. 
• Facilitate negotiations and act as liaison across stakeholders. 
• Communicate contractual risks and obligations, including under US law. 
• Manage pipeline of contract reviews and stakeholder updates. 
• Maintain contract records and documentation. 
• Develop templates aligned with US legal standards. 
• Support vendor governance and risk management. 

Education & Experience Requirements: 

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD)  from a recognized institution is required. 
• Active membership in good standing of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines  is required. 
• 4+ years of contract review experience. 
• Strong understanding of US commercial contract law. 
• Experience with MSAs, SaaS, data privacy, and licensing agreements. 

Additional Qualifications: 

• Strong contract review, negotiation, legal analysis and risk assessment skills. 
• Excellent English communication skills. 
• Experience supporting US clients preferred. 
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities. 
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and client-focused. 
• Knowledge of GDPR/CCPA is a plus.