Description
People Relations Lead, EMEA
Flexible within the EMEA region (preferable UK, Germany or France)
Syneos Health® is a leading fully integrated biopharmaceutical solutions organization built to accelerate customer success. We translate unique clinical, medical affairs and commercial insights into outcomes to address modern market realities.
Every day we perform better because of how we work together, as one team, each the best at what we do. We bring a wide range of talented experts together across a wide range of business-critical services that support our business. Every role within Corporate is vital to furthering our vision of Shortening the Distance from Lab to Life®.
Discover what our 29,000 employees, across 110 countries already know:
WORK HERE MATTERS EVERYWHERE
Why Syneos Health
- We are passionate about developing our people, through career development and progression; supportive and engaged line management; technical and therapeutic area training; peer recognition and total rewards program.
- We are committed to our Total Self culture - where you can authentically be yourself. Our Total Self culture is what unites us globally, and we are dedicated to taking care of our people.
- We are continuously building the company we all want to work for and our customers want to work with. Why? Because when we bring together diversity of thoughts, backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives - we're able to create a place where everyone feels like they belong.
About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced and empathetic People Relations Leader to manage a team of ER case workers across the EMEA region. In this role, you will lead the team in handling employee issues, guide them on complex cases, and ensure consistent application of ER policies across multiple countries. You will bring strong expertise in managing relationships with Works Councils across Europe, ensuring effective communication and compliance with local labor requirements. You'll work closely with ER CoE and local HR teams to address complex cases and foster a fair, respectful, and compliant work environment.
Responsibilities:
- Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of ER case workers within the EMEA region, providing support and guidance to ensure effective case resolution. Oversee team workload and prioritize cases to maintain timely, high-quality responses.
- Case Management Oversight: Oversee the end-to-end management of employee relations cases, including employee grievances, misconduct investigations, disciplinary actions, and performance-related issues. Ensure cases are handled professionally, confidentially, and in compliance with company policies and local regulations.
- Works Council Relations: Collaborate with local HR and ER CoE EMEA Lead to maintain positive relationships with Works Councils, ensuring effective communication, consultation, and compliance with national laws.
- Policy Compliance & Application: Ensure that ER practices are consistent with regional and global policies, as well as local labor laws across EMEA.
- Complex Case Resolution: Act as an escalation point for complex or sensitive cases. Provide expert advice and guidance to case workers on handling challenging cases with fairness, consistency, and empathy.
- Training & Development: In collaboration with ER CoE conduct training sessions for ER case workers and other HR professionals on case handling best practices, compliance, and conflict resolution. Provide targeted training on Works Council interactions and compliance requirements.
- Data & Reporting: Monitor case data and analyze trends across the EMEA region to identify areas for improvement. Provide reports and insights to ER CoE Lead on key trends and recurring issues to drive preventative measures and systemic improvements.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with ER CoE and People Services organisation to ensure alignment on ER initiatives. Maintain open communication channels with stakeholders on case trends, Works Council matters, and case outcomes.
- Process Improvement: Identify process improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of ER case management. Champion a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in employee relations.
Qualifications
What we're looking for
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Law, or a related field
- 10+ years of experience in employee relations or HR case management within the EMEA region, with a strong focus on Works Council relations in multiple European countries
- Proven track record in handling and resolving complex employee relations issues across multiple countries
- Strong knowledge of employment laws, Works Council requirements, and ER best practices within EMEA
- Previous experience in a supervisory or leadership role is required
- Previous experience in managing the delivery of large -scale ER programs across multiple European countries (eg restructuring activities)
- Exceptional problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
- High level of integrity, confidentiality, and empathy when handling sensitive cases
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Proficiency in English; additional languages relevant to the EMEA region are an advantage
What We Offer:
- An opportunity to lead and shape ER case management across a diverse, multicultural region
- A supportive and inclusive team environment with a focus on employee well-being and professional development
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- Flexible work arrangements and opportunities for growth within a global organization
How to Apply:
If you are an experienced ER professional with strong expertise in Works Council relations, effective leadership skills, and a commitment to fair and respectful workplaces, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience in ER case management and your approach to working with Works Councils across the EMEA region.
Get to know Syneos Health
Over the past 5 years, we have worked with 94% of all Novel FDA Approved Drugs, 95% of EMA Authorized Products and over 200 Studies across 73,000 Sites and 675,000+ Trial patients.
No matter what your role is, you'll take the initiative and challenge the status quo with us in a highly competitive and ever-changing environment. Learn more about Syneos Health
Additional Information:
Tasks, duties, and responsibilities as listed in this job description are not exhaustive. The Company, at its sole discretion and with no prior notice, may assign other tasks, duties, and job responsibilities. Equivalent experience, skills, and/or education will also be considered so qualifications of incumbents may differ from those listed in the Job Description. The Company, at its sole discretion, will determine what constitutes as equivalent to the qualifications described above. Further, nothing contained herein should be construed to create an employment contract. Occasionally, required skills/experiences for jobs are expressed in brief terms. Any language contained herein is intended to fully comply with all obligations imposed by the legislation of each country in which it operates, including the implementation of the EU Equality Directive, in relation to the recruitment and employment of its employees. The Company is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including the provision of reasonable accommodations, when appropriate, to assist employees or applicants to perform the essential functions of the job.
