Employee Relations Sr. Advisor

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

Manages and executes Employee Relations matters, including investigating issues and providing day-to-day coaching and advice to field managers, regional leaders, and all other assigned employees in a large variety of employee issues, performance management, policy interpretation, and other Human Resource functions. Engage with Works Councils and Unions as required.   Works in partnership and collaboration with Center of Excellence (CoE) and Shared Service functions, serving as an escalation point to effectively administer and support Human Resources and Employee Relations programs in accordance with company policies and procedures. 

This position is performed in environments or issues of high complexity labor relations, either due to the applicable regulatory complexity, social conflict and/or the difficulty of relations with social partners and stakeholders; it requires applying and making decisions based on innovative solutions and advanced technical knowledge, demonstrating expert knowledge in ER.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Provides expert, trusted and comprehensive advice across the full spectrum of the Human Resources function in a wide range of employee relations matters including performance management, workplace investigations, pay concerns, work environment concerns, employee policy and program questions, separation of employment reviews, and high-risk employee relations cases. Will usually require applying innovative solutions, based on high technical knowledge and expertise.
• Handles highly complex and confidential HR, Human Rights, Compliance, Ethics, and Legal investigations for all Company business lines. 
• Engages in Works Council and union negotiations, contract management, and manages collective bargaining agreement requirements as needed (based on country and legal entity requirements).  Will require agility and large experience in managing complex and potentially conflictive social environments, as well as demonstrate expertise to lead complex and multi-factorial social dialogue.
• Provides counsel, advice, and recommendations in compliance with all regulatory requirements, company policies, and union contracts to ensure the uniform and equitable treatment of employees.   Consults with the Legal, Compliance, Human Rights, and other departments as necessary. Provides expert knowledge of complex and highly complicated regulatory environments.
• Provides guidance and direction regarding performance management plans and all aspects of progressive discipline and documentation.
• Identifies root cause issues in employee engagement and provides conflict resolution skills to both employees and managers, demonstrating agility and extensive experience in managing complex employment and social conflict environments, which requires deep and qualified knowledge of labor regulations as well as the ability to bring “ad hoc” solutions
• Follows service level agreements in timely response and follows up to issues including appropriate use of the case management system, effective and thorough documentation and reporting, and all associated processes. Escalates sensitive or critical issues appropriately.  
• As requested, provides education, training, and coaching to managers on conflict management, crucial conversations, performance management, harassment, and other HR related topics.  
• Provides emergency response and crisis management support to employees, and also demonstrates experience in leading and resolving social labor conflicts as strikes.
• Facilitates exit interviews with voluntarily terminating employees when specifically requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position requires approximately 10%-30% travel; dependent upon country requirements.

This position requires flexibility to deal with complex negotiations with social partners and stakeholders.

SUPERVISION:

• This position has no direct reports.

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED CREDENTIALS:

• Bachelor’s or Master´s Degree required or an equivalent combination of education and experience

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Has +12 years of experience. With a master's degree 8+ years of experience in a progressing role in Employee Relations with a strong understanding of country/regional employment law, works co