Senior Manager – Employee Relations

About the role

This senior position sits at the intersection of HR strategy, compliance and employee engagement, overseeing employee‑relations practices for a global organisation. You will work closely with leadership, HR teams and legal partners to manage complex employment matters and support organisational change.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement a structured, consistent employee‑relations approach across multiple regions.
• Provide expert guidance on disciplinary cases, grievances and investigations.
• Partner with HR and legal to ensure policies align with local labour regulations.
• Build and sustain relationships with employee representatives, unions and works councils.
• Lead consultation processes for organisational change, workforce adjustments and policy updates.
• Coordinate the establishment and operation of a European Works Council.
• Contribute to restructuring negotiations and collective‑agreement discussions.
• Oversee frameworks for workplace conduct, ethics, whistleblowing and data protection.
• Lead complex investigations, ensuring objectivity, confidentiality and timely outcomes.
• Assess and mitigate risks arising from employee‑relations or compliance issues.
• Provide senior leadership with visibility on critical issues and escalation points.

Required profile

• Strong ability to interpret complex legal and regulatory topics into practical HR solutions.
• Proven experience influencing stakeholders and navigating challenging discussions.
• Sound judgement and decision‑making in sensitive or high‑impact situations.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build trust with employee representatives.
• Experience managing cross‑regional HR initiatives and compliance frameworks.

Required skills