Sr. Employee Relations & Compliance Specialist

Sonder is on a mission to revolutionize hospitality and make a world of better stays open to all. No two Sonders are the same – each property has a bespoke design and contains a mix of rooms, suites, and apartments. Though each Sonder is unique, our mobile app allows guests to effortlessly navigate their stay. From check-in to checkout, everything they need is just a tap away. To be better is a never-ending pursuit and revolutions don’t happen overnight. But, together, we can forever change the way people stay, for the better.

We are looking for someone who breathes hospitality operations and is energized by the opportunity to maximize, motivate, and inspire a team to deliver an amazing Sonder guest experience. Our Sonder locations are distributed across a city in different shapes, sizes, ages, and styles, and we pride ourselves on offering a hotel-like service. That’s what you’ll own.

Life at Sonder

We aspire to build a workplace where employees can thrive. Our culture shapes how we make decisions, how we conduct meetings, how we communicate, and how we treat each other. It’s the coordinated way in which we work that gives us a shot at achieving the epic tale we hope to be part of. Our Leadership Principles are a foundational part of our culture and they play a vital role in guiding the values and actions of our team members. Each of these principles is at the heart of what we do. Check out this article to find out more about our Culture and Principles.

Our Employee & Labor Relations team collaborates closely with leadership, People Business Partners, Legal and employees to advise on complex matters, including performance improvement and investigations. We endeavor to achieve a balance of employee advocacy and company stewardship, in adherence with the Company’s values. In realizing every employee's potential, we enable the company's success.

The Sr. Specialist, Employee & Labor Relations supports the company by ensuring that managers are well-equipped to implement people solutions that will resolve employee relations matters, build a positive employee relations climate, and ensure compliance with relevant employment legislation. This individual plays a vital role in partnering with our leaders, acting as an ER first point of contact, and championing the employee experience. This individual will support the creation and implementation of policies and practices designed to foster a positive work environment, minimize risk, and ensure legal compliance across all of our EMEA operations. 
 

THE OPPORTUNITY:

• Provide coaching, guidance and support on investigations, conduct concerns and performance improvement requirements being handled by the Employee & Labor Relations team

• Support in updating employee relations practices and compliance policies based upon legal requirements, industry standards and needs of the business

• Manage workplace investigations in partnership with and support from department head, ER & Labor Relations manager, and People Business Partners 

• Manage accurate documentation and recordkeeping for all employee relations matters across EMEA in line with local legal requirements 

• Support with creating and providing ongoing education and development for managers i.e. process requirements, legislative updates, case studies, best practices, etc

• Discern urgent ER matters and when to escalate to the department head on complex Employee Relations matters; recognizing and mitigating risk to our people, business and brand

• Identify and build relationships with key leaders and partners in applicable regional markets and acts as the primary point of contact for urgent ER matters

• Remain informed on employee relations trends, internal policy updates and updates to legislation and European Works Council requirements

• Be the first point of contact for EMEA managers and manage caseload ensuring that all SLAs are met

• Be a trusted advisor for leaders and employees in EMEA with a focus on the UK&I markets

• Support the Employee and Labor Relations manager with the creation and the presentation of ER analytic data 

• Additional responsibilities as assigned, and to best support your team, stakeholders, and Sonder.

WHO WE LOOK FOR:

• Human Resources experience with a focus on Employee Relations with a strong preference for experience in managing