Employee Relations Specialist (d/f/m) (Temporary)

The Employee Relations Specialist (hybrid) is responsible for nurturing a positive, cooperative, and legally compliant relationship among employees, management, and the newly established Works Council. The role focuses on negotiating and implementing company-wide agreements, driving projects that require Works Council involvement, and leading employee relations training to ensure all stakeholders are aligned with organizational goals and labor law requirements.

This is a fixed-term contract for 2 years.

What you’ll do

Managing and Fostering Relationships:

• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships between employees, management, and the Works Council, with an emphasis on open communication and mutual understanding.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to both management and the Works Council, helping to address and resolve concerns that arise, ensuring a productive working environment.

Primary Liaison to the Works Council:

• Act as the primary contact point between the organization and the Works Council, facilitating regular communication and ensuring that organizational interests and employee needs are understood and respected.
• Assist in mediating discussions between management and the Works Council, fostering a constructive and cooperative atmosphere during the Council’s formative period.

Developing, Negotiating, and Implementing Agreements:

• Lead the creation and negotiation of company agreements in collaboration with the Works Council, ensuring compliance with both internal policies and external labor laws.
• Oversee the implementation of these agreements, coordinating with relevant departments to ensure that policies are applied consistently across the organization.

Labor Law Compliance:

• Ensure that all agreements, policies, and practices adhere to German labor laws and Works Council regulations, identifying and addressing any compliance gaps.
• Stay updated on relevant changes to labor legislation and incorporate necessary updates to existing agreements or policies to maintain compliance.

Project Rollout and Transformation Support:

• Support key organizational projects requiring Works Council approval, especially during the critical initial stages of the Council’s formation.
• Drive the implementation of foundational agreements and policies, ensuring they align with company objectives while meeting legal requirements and employee interests.

Training for Stakeholders:

• Provide training and guidance to stakeholders, including managers and HR, on employee relations matters, ensuring they understand the processes, regulations, and responsibilities related to Works Council interactions.
• Develop materials and resources to support effective, ongoing stakeholder training on employee relations issues.

Navigating Complex Negotiations:

• Facilitate complex negotiations between the Works Council and management, ensuring that both sides have a clear understanding of each other’s positions and working toward balanced, workable agreements.
• Address challenges and roadblocks in a diplomatic and solutions-oriented manner to drive successful project rollouts and policy adoptions.

Who you are

Language Skills:

• Fluency in German and English (both spoken and written) is essential to manage communications, negotiations, and documentation effectively in a bilingual setting.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years in employee relations or labor relations, ideally within a multinational environment.
• Experience working with Works Councils or similar bodies, particularly within the framework of German labor law.

Labor Law Knowledge:

• Solid understanding of German labor laws, especially Works Council-related regulations, with the ability to ensure compliance across all policies and agreements.

Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in managing complex negotiations and resolving conflicts, with a focus on balancing organizational goals with employee rights.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey complex issues clearly to both employees and management.
• Ability to build trust with stakeholders and foster positive working relationships.

Project Management Ability:

• Proven ability to oversee project rollouts and support transformations, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines while ensuring compliance with labor laws.

Adaptability:

• Ability to work within a dynamic environment, adjusting to new challenges and effectively managing changing priorities related to employee relations and Works Council requirements.

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