Industrial Relations Leader - EMEA
We are seeking an ambitious, commercially minded Industrial & Labour Relations expert to take on a 2-part remit - spanning technical IR & LR support to key sites across EMEA, and to provide broader HR business partner support to a set of business customers within the region.
Whilst wearing the IR “hat”, this person will support business and HR leaders across several entities across EMEA, as the subject matter expert for employment law, policy & procedure, and employee engagement. Complex case management, risk management advice for operational change programs, resolution of employee and group grievances, minimisation of employer brand risk, agreement negotiations with unions, and ongoing education across all management levels…..these are just some of the many responsibilities in this role. Ideally, this person will have a track record for directly managing works council negotiations as a collaborative partner rather than a “take no prisoners” adversary.
This company has worked hard to reduce ER liabilities, but still strives to improve further as an employer of choice. So, this person will be expected to work pro-actively on strategic interventions to predict and prevent issues, rather than simply spending time wading through disputes and “cleaning up” labour relations mess after the fact!
Whilst wearing the HRBP “hat” this person will be the strategic “go to” partner providing proactive and strategic employee engagement advice to leaders at an array of EMEA business units sites, whilst ensuring a “joined up” approach for local operational HR teams and global CofE’s, to ensure business leaders and employees receive the support and proactive counsel they need to effect change and efficiencies that will give the company an ongoing competitive market edge.
Reporting into an HRBP Regional Lead, this IR/HR leader should also expect a lot of change, challenges and ambiguity as a result of ongoing company growth (mix of organic expansions plus acquisitions) and various organisational design programs rolling through the company globally. There are many opportunities to capitalise on having input to further refinements for broader IR and HR strategy, creating policy and identifying solutions, and making key contributions to global projects!
Other critical hiring criteria includes:
Proven career stability with a history of employment in mid-to-large sized organisations (apologies but career contractors cannot be considered for this hire)
Demonstrated success in navigating and thriving within complex, matrixed organisational structures
Analytical proficiency, coupled with strong data literacy, enabling the ability to influence decisions based ono facts and evidence rather than emotions
Meticulous attention to detail in designing processes, programmes, and reporting tools to effectively track, assess and manage Industrial and Labour Relations challenges
Adaptable communication skills, with the capability to tailor messages and presentations to diverse stakeholder audiences
Executive presence and gravitas, with the confidence to influence and advocate for decisions while exhibiting a high degree of emotional intelligence and interpersonal sensitivity
This reputable company is well-resourced, and its products are literally contributing to save the lives of people around the world - you should achieve great satisfaction from working in a mission-driven culture, and the company offers genuinely diverse career opportunities to its high-performance employees.
Fluent written and spoken English is essential. Package includes a base salary of circa EUR 130,000 (depending on experience level) plus a particularly generous performance bonus along with exceptional healthcare and benefits. Relocation support is also available for current EU citizens.
This role is open to UK and EU citizens and can be based from key locations across Europe such as the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.
There are genuine career development prospects with this employer, particularly if you are open to broadening your career into other HR functional roles, and/or able to consider future relocations around the world.
Interviews are being scheduled currently, with a view to an employment offer being extended in the coming weeks.
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