Senior Employee Relations Manager - (Works Council Focus) - "Global Life-Science Leader"

Job Title: Senior Manager, Employee Relations

Position Type: Permanent / Direct hire

Locations: Belgium, Germany, UK, Spain, Bulgaria, Poland / fully remote

Desired Languages: German/English/Flemish - written and spoken

About Labcorp:

We are a global leader of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services that helps doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers and patients make clear and confident decisions. Through our unparalleled diagnostics and drug development laboratory capabilities, our 60,000+ employees combine cutting-edge innovation, science and technology to solve some of today's biggest health challenges, accelerate life-changing healthcare breakthroughs and impact lives around the world.

Job Overview:

Have you experience of developing and implementing works council and trade union strategies to support organizational goals? Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced and engaging environment where you can make a difference to the employee experience?

If so, read on! Labcorp are recruiting for an experienced employee relations professional to lead on work council strategy for its non-US locations. This role is based in Europe and serves as a strategic link between the business and works councils in Germany, Belgium, and France. As part of a global ER team, you will collaborate across regions to ensure compliance, foster trust, and drive proactive collective employee relations initiatives and programmes. This role is key in supporting works council negotiations and fostering positive relationships with non-US unions.

The role is part of a global team supporting Labcorp employees in the US, UK, Europe, India and APAC.

The opportunities for growth and development are only limited to the candidate's ambition.

YOUR Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive work council and collective employee relations strategy for non-US Labcorp locations to support organisational goals and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Act as the primary liaison between the business and works councils, ensuring accurate and timely communication.
• Provide expert counsel to senior leadership on work council and trade union matters to deliver business goals.
• Equip internal stakeholders to engage effectively with works councils, providing guidance and best practices.
• Prepare documentation and coordinate with internal stakeholders for works council consultations.
• Lead or contribute to global ER projects where collective engagement is necessary.
• Provide insights and recommendations to enhance ER strategies across jurisdictions.
• Advise on high risk and complex employee relations situations when necessary.
• Partner with HR and other centres of excellence to deliver integrated solutions as OneHR.
• Serve as the liaison between the business and works councils, ensuring matters are presented appropriately.

• Degree educated with relevant professional qualification desirable
• Minimum 5 years' works council and union experience
• Experience in multiple European jurisdictions (Germany, Belgium and France preferred)
• Accreditation in Human Resources or similar is desirable
• Specialist legal or employment law qualifications

• Strong knowledge of employment laws, works council practices and regulations
• Excellent negotiation, mediation, communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience of working in a global, matrix organisation
• Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills
• Proven ability to manage and resolve conflicts and disputes effectively
• Ability to disseminate technical and complex information and provide update to key stakeholders
• Experience of balancing competing priorities from various internal stakeholders
• Strategic thinking, with excellent analytical and problem solving experience
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders
• Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders, including works council members, unions representatives, employees and leadership
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact, and respect
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office suite, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• German and Flemish - written and spoken
• Excellent written and spoken business English

• Flexible work pattern to support multiple time zones (whilst complying with working time provisions for the country where the successful candidate resides)
• Hybrid or office based depending on location.
• Minimal travel (5-10%) may be required locally or internationally.

• Work-life balance: At Labcorp, you can manage your work-life balance with their employee-friendly leave policy and enjoy dedicated time with your friends and family. Work days are from Monday to Friday with flexible work timings.
• Training & development: Labcorp offers developmental training in self-paced, virtual, and live-in-person formats to help grow your career. The company aims to help improve your cultural awareness, offer valuable global insights and help you develop a strong global mindset. Labcorp increases employee engagement, encouraging cross-team connections and creating a culture of mentorship throughout the organization.