Senior Employee Relations Business Partner

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The Opportunity: We are seeking a highly skilled Employee Relations Specialist with deep expertise in European labor law and experience with employee relations, particularly concerning Local and European Works Councils. This pivotal role will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of European internal and external labor relations, ensuring legal compliance, fostering constructive dialogue, and contributing to a positive and productive work environment across our European operations as well as driving forward the strategic direction of the company. You will act as a key liaison, advisor, and negotiator in collective labor matters and report to the HR Enterprise lead EMEA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Works Council Management (Local & European):

  • Local Works Councils: Act as a primary point of contact and expert advisor for local management and HR Business Partners on all matters pertaining to national Works Council legislation and practices. 

  • Provide advice to management on trade union rights in various European jurisdictions.

  • Advise on information and consultation obligations and negotiation strategies for, 

    • Support and, where appropriate, lead negotiations with Local Works Councils on a wide range of topics, including reorganizations, restructures, compensation, health & safety, and new technologies.

    • Ensure all interactions and agreements with Local Works Councils comply with relevant national laws and company policies.

  • European Works Council (EWC): Play a central role in managing and facilitating the company's engagement with its European Works Council.

    • Prepare agendas, materials, and presentations for EWC meetings

    • Advise central management on EWC information and consultation requirements for transnational issues affecting multiple European countries.

    • Support and participate in consultation processes ensure compliance with the EWC Directive and the company’s EWC agreement.

    • Act as a bridge between the EWC and local employee representatives, ensuring consistent messaging and understanding.

Education: Minimum Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Law, Industrial Relations, or a related field. A Master's degree or a specialized certification in labor law/industrial relations (e.g., in the Netherlands or Germany) is desirable.

• Experience:

  • Minimum of 5 years of progressive employee relations experience, with a significant portion of that experience directly focused on managing relationships with Local Works Councils and European Works Councils in a multi-national global context.

  • Demonstrable experience in negotiating and drafting collective agreements and works agreements.

  • Proven track record of successfully navigating complex programs across different European jurisdictions.

  • Strong understanding of  national labor law frameworks and industrial relations systems within Europe and practical experience with local works councils

• Skills & Competencies:

  • Negotiation & Persuasion: Highly developed negotiation, mediation, and influencing skills, with a track record of achieving beneficial outcomes in complex collective bargaining and works council discussions.

  • Deep Legal Acumen: Strong understanding of EU labor law, national employment law, and collective labor law relevant to works councils and trade unions.

  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to link operational ER issues to broader business strategy and contribute to long-term industrial relations planning.

  • Interpersonal & Cultural Fluency: Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain trust-based relationships with employee representatives, union officials, managers, and employees from diverse cultural backgrounds across Europe.

  • Communication Mastery: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are essential. Fluency in Dutch, German, Italian  or French are a strong asset.

  • Problem-Solving & Analytical: Strong analytical and diagnostic skills to assess complex industrial relations issues and develop effective solutions.

  • Resilience & Composure: Ability to remain calm, objective, and effective in high-pressure situations and complex negotiations.

  • Confidentiality & Integrity: Absolute commitment to maintaining confidentiality and acting with the highest level of integrity.

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