Employee / Labor Relations Leader - unusually holistic and pro active role spanning Europe
HIGH PERFORMANCE LEADER COMMENCED AFTER SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYMENT OFFER
We are seeking an ambitious, commercially-minded Employee Relations Leader for this high-profile career role within a highly-reputable, global brand company. We are also open to chatting with HR Generalists/HRBP’s who have extensive experience with ER management and a passion to specialise as ER experts; and to legal practitioners who have experience of working in-house as ER advisors within HR functions.
This person will own the European Works Council relationship, whilst also being the labor relations expert for France, Belgium and the UK. This role will support business and HR leaders with an unusually holistic view of Employee Relations, Diversity, Policy & Procedure and Employee Engagement. Complex case management, proactive advice for change management programs, resolution of employee issues, minimisation of brand risk, negotiations with works councils/unions, and advice on risk for new markets opening & closing, are just some of the many responsibilities in this role.
This company has worked hard to reduce their ER liabilities, and as such, this person can expect to be working more pro-actively on strategic interventions to predict and prevent issues, rather than simply spending time wading through disputes and “cleaning up” ER mess!
As the most senior team member within Europe for the ER Centre of Excellence, this person will be relied upon for mentoring, guiding and inspiring other associates. The CofE is already well regarded for its “best practice” approach to ER, both internally and externally. Ironically though, this reputation has created high workload levels, as the ER team are sought out constantly for their expertise and opinions on a range of queries! The role reports into a well respected, Global VP for ER; and will interact with accomplished peers working across other regions throughout the world, especially when leading on, and contributing to global projects.
This ER leader should expect a lot of change, challenges and ambiguity as a result of various organisational design programs rolling through the company globally; but for the right person this will be an ideal time to join as you’ll be able to capitalise on having significant strategic input in refining the function, creating policy and identifying solutions!
The role requires fluent written & spoken French and English. An advanced working knowledge of Employment laws spanning European countries will be well regarded. Other critical hiring criteria includes:
A stable career history working for large sized international corporations (apologies but career contractors cannot be considered for this hire)
A track record of successfully navigating through complex matrix and reporting structures
An analytical mind-set with data savvy; able to influence through facts rather than simply emotions
Fine attention to detail in the creation of processes, programmes and reporting tools to track, assess and review ER issues
Ability to adjust your communications and presentations style to an array of stakeholders
Advanced commercial savvy with an ability to interpret employment laws across a variety of jurisdictions
You’ll need gravitas, with the courage to influence and stand your ground whilst demonstrating a high degree of emotional intelligence
You will be known as a thought leader - able to challenge the status quo and innovate new process and solutions to achieve market leading results
There are fantastic career development prospects with this employer, particularly if you are globally mobile.
The role will require current EU citizenship. Regular travel can be expected across the region and occasionally to the US. Based ideally from Brussels, or possibly Madrid, the base salary will be accompanied by a hefty performance bonus and other benefits. A generous relocation package is also on offer to current EU citizens.
If this sounds like the challenge you've been seeking for your next career move, please do make contact directly and in confidence via solutions@cartermorris.com; quoting CMTS00193. Interviews are being scheduled currently with view to an employment offer being extended in the coming weeks.