Industrial Relations Business Partner – Europe

Job Title: Industrial Relations Business Partner – Europe

Location: Netherlands (with European remit)

Function: Human Resources / Industrial Relations

Reporting to: Global Industrial Relations Director

Salary Range: €90.000 – €110.000 (incl holiday allowance)

Role Overview

The Industrial Relations Business Partner will play a key role in supporting the implementation of the global industrial relations strategy across Europe. This position is responsible for managing risk, ensuring compliance with local legislation, and fostering constructive relationships with Works Councils and Trade Unions. Acting as a trusted advisor to HR and business leaders, the role supports organisational change and transformation initiatives through effective consultation and negotiation.

Key Responsibilities

Industrial Relations Strategy & Risk Management

• Support the execution of the global IR strategy within the European region.
• Identify and manage IR-related risks, escalating issues to the Global IR Director as appropriate.
• Provide expert guidance to HR and business leaders on complex IR matters.

Works Councils & Employee Representation

• Lead engagement with Works Councils and Employee Representative Bodies across multiple European countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, and the UK.
• Ensure compliance with national legislation and internal governance for both business-as-usual and transformation activities.
• Support and educate HR and line managers on effective collaboration with employee representatives.

Trade Unions & Collective Bargaining

• Lead or support collective bargaining negotiations in line with the global IR strategy and local legal frameworks.
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with union representatives to facilitate effective consultation and negotiation outcomes.

Technology & Organisational Change

• Act as the HR lead for consultation processes related to the introduction of new technologies and software.
• Ensure timely and compliant engagement with Works Councils regarding digital transformation initiatives.

Capability Building

• Design and deliver training to upskill HR colleagues and business leaders in IR practices, particularly in navigating Works Council and Trade Union environments.
• Promote knowledge sharing and continuous improvement in IR processes.

Governance & Compliance

• Maintain and contribute to the IR risk register, ensuring appropriate controls are in place.
• Monitor compliance with statutory obligations and internal policies across all relevant jurisdictions.

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience leading negotiations with Works Councils and Trade Unions in a European context.
• Deep knowledge of Works Council legislation in the Netherlands and Germany, with additional experience in at least one other European country.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility at all levels.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate and mitigate potential IR issues.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools and familiar with HR systems and reporting.

Desirable Attributes

• Ability to act as a deputy to the Global IR Director when required.
• Experience supporting digital transformation or organisational change initiatives from an IR perspective.

Values & Behaviours

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate a commitment to:

• Acting with integrity and fairness in all interactions.
• Collaborating respectfully across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Sharing expertise and fostering continuous learning.
• Navigating complex IR landscapes with courage and accountability.

The SR Group (Netherlands) B.V. is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

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