JOB PURPOSE
This role leads the industrial relations on behalf of Unilever. It exists to provide hands-on labour law and industrial relations advice to Business Leaders, HR Business Partners and HR Partners for our Headquarters in Hamburg as well as our production sites in Auerbach, Buxtehude, Heilbronn and Mannheim.
Beyond this, the role supports the entire national business in the context of organisational development guidelines and independently advises leaders and employees on labour law and other people-related matters at team and organisational level. This is done in close collaboration with line managers, local and Group Works Councils, external service providers and all relevant internal stakeholders and teams. Furthermore, the job scope comprises leading and fully owning negotiations with the Works Councils or other projects not just in regards to legal questions.
You’ll be part of a small team that believes in doing work that matters — for people and the planet.
Because here, we don’t just hire for jobs. We invite you to be part of something bigger.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Act as the first point of contact for labour law, industrial relations as well as HR related decisions of our management
- Act as the first point of contact for our (Group) Works Council bodies
- Support HR Business Partners and People Partners in individual and collective labour and social security law matters
- Lead projects as well as works council negotiations
- Or provide labour law advice to project teams and independently lead projects, e.g. in the context of outsourcing initiatives, M&A activities, organisational changes and restructuring, including the legally sound design and implementation of personnel-related solutions of fundamental importance to the business (e.g. negotiation and conclusion of reconciliation of interests and social plans)
- Independently advise and support the national business in organisational development topics related to strategic labour law matters
- Advise and coach leaders independently on labour law and other people-related topics at team and organisational level
- Build and maintain a trusting and collaborative relationship with local employee representatives and the Group Works Council as well as body of severely disabled employees
- Support business areas through workshops, facilitation and moderation
- Provide legal advice and, where applicable, represent the company in labour and social courts (including drafting pleadings, participation in conciliation and chamber hearings, and providing recommendations for settlement agreements) in cases of fundamental importance
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Successfully completed First and Second State Examinations in Law, with a proven focus on labour and social security law
- Multiple years of experience in a law firm focused on labour law advice
- Ideally qualification requirements for holding the title Specialist Lawyer for Labour Law and Specialist Lawyer for Social Security Law
- Project experience and a strong interest in organisational development and change management
- Ideally experience in working with and negotiating with Trade Unions and Works Councils
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong analytical skills, strategic thinking and excellent communication abilities
- Ability to develop practical, business-oriented solutions on a solid legal foundation
- Courage to challenge the status quo and explore new approaches
- Personal interest in coaching and mediation
- Experience in designing, facilitating and moderating workshops (desirable)
- Self-perception as a manager rather than a lawyer
WHAT WE OFFER YOU:
- 38-hour work week with flexible hours and the option for remote work
- 30 days of vacation plus December 24th and 31st off
- Meal allowance: €65 per month
- Company pension & shares
- In-house café: snacks, lunch, and coffee specialties at discounted prices
- Discounts via Corporate Benefits
- Deutschland Ticket: €50 monthly subsidy or a discounted company bike
- Free training opportunities and access to our own learning platform
- E-GYM/Wellpass for €20 per month & free corporate health management & a 24/7 counseling service
- And the best for last – unlimited ice cream!
At Unilever, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive/succeed. All applicants will receive fair and respectful consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of every employee.
ARE YOU INTERESTED?
Please apply via this portal as e-mail applications will not be processed.
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment journey. Should you require additional information or reasonable adjustments to allow you to present your best self during this process, please contact your Talent Partner.
Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.
Unilever Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Unilever and has not been reviewed or approved by Unilever.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive, spanning medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and occupational health support alongside a 24/7 employee assistance program. Wellbeing offerings such as health checks, resilience tools, and counseling support the perceived depth of health-related benefits.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support includes a 401(k) match that reaches up to 5% of base salary, strengthening the overall value of the package. Share and savings options are also referenced as part of longer-term financial support beyond salary.
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Flexible Benefits — Benefits customization is enabled through tools such as a “My Reward” system and a “Benefits Envelope” that allows employees to personalize selections. Flexible working approaches are also associated with improved overall satisfaction, reinforcing perceived choice and adaptability in the total rewards offering.
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