HR Business Partner focused on Employee Relations and Works Councils

IDEXX is looking for an HR Business Partner / Manager experienced in Employee Relations and Works Councils to join our HR Business Partner Organization. In this role you will be responsible for managing the company relationship with our Works Councils and to foster a positive employee relations environment in the Netherlands. This role develops, implements, and maintains effective industrial relations strategies and processes. Moreover, this role supports the implementation of consistent strong Employee Relations and Works Council Relations across the EMEA region in coordination with European HR Advisors and Business Partners (HR Partners), in close collaboration with the global Employee Relations and Legal teams.

Works Councils

• You will, together with the Bestuurder, lead NL Works Council relations, serve as primary point of contact for Works Council matters, representing the company in human resources matters in meetings and negotiations. Identify, propose, and implement process improvements and rules of engagement.
• You will propose and develop a Netherlands Works Council strategy in collaboration with HR and business stakeholders.
• You will ensure that HR Partners are knowledgeable on Works Council and Employee Relations compliance through trainings, meetings and processes.
• You will collaborate with local HR Leadership to propose and develop NL Labor policies that create a positive work environment consistent with IDEXX Code of Ethics. Advise and support HR Partners in Germany, France, Spain and Finland on Works Council, negotiations, collective bargaining and policies management.
• You will work with global Employee Relations, Legal and HRBPs teams in restructuring processes to propose and represent EU Works Council strategy, under the supervision of EU HR Director.
• You will support the implementation of EU regulations and related actions in coordination with HR Partners.

Employee Relations

• You will consult with and coach HR Partners, Managers and Employees on routine to complex employee relations issues, assist with policy interpretation, and provide guidance to prevent and/or address conflict resolution.
• You will coach and advise HR Partners and managers on complex and non-routine performance management including employee coaching, performance improvement plans, corrective actions, employment terminations, and ways to minimize the risk of adverse action.
• You will consult with the HR Partners and direct or conduct investigations of claims of harassment, discrimination, workplace violence and other issues, and determine appropriate action and document in final reports. Make recommendations regarding appropriate actions and work with HR Partners and management in determining next steps.
• You will align with the global Employee Relations function on investigation process and recommendations for action.
• You will liaise with legal for advice and responses to complex cases. Work with legal counsel in gathering information and investigate and respond to external employment legal claims directly or indirectly through the respective HR Advisors or HR Business Partners.

You will assist with reduction-in-force events and other separation agreements.

You will develop an HR Partners training on employee relations-related skills. Assist with development of management training programs, such as Performance Management, Employee Awareness trainings, and Supervisory Skills, as well as delivering such training.

HR Advisory

• You will provide HR guidance to managers and employees. Answers questions and provide advice as needed. Understand manager and employee viewpoints and anticipate their needs and concerns. Directs managers/employees to utilize HR service centers as appropriate to handle transactional-oriented requests, for maximum efficiency.
• You will monitor the performance management process and work with managers and/or employees and HR Partners concerning employee performance and discipline issues.
• You will advise and coach Managers and HR Partners on performance management process, performance improvement plans and administering disciplinary actions.
• You will coach Managers related to the people aspects of the business, including organizational development, employee development, talent acquisition, employee relations, talent analytics, compensation, benefits and other areas.
• You will guide local organizational change through relationship management and partnership skills and knowledge of internal company processes and HR practice.
• You may act as country representative on different governances, projects or leadership teams.

What you need to Succeed

• You have a Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education.
• You have at least five years of demonstrable experience in a relevant field.
• You have prior Works Council management experience, preferably in multiple countries within the EU, especially the Netherlands and Germany.

• You have full command of the English language both written and verbal. Command of the Dutch language is highly valued.
• You are highly effective communicator, both verbal and in writing and have strong negotiating and organizational skills.
• You have strong knowledge on labor law, relations and regulations and local expertise.
• You possess the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and demonstrate strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• You have proficiency in Workday and Microsoft Office, especially Excel and MS Teams. You have an international perspective and a strategic mindset
• You possess the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and build strong working relationships.
• You are adept at dealing with pressure, have flexibility and have an eye for detail and you can deal with changing priorities and challenges.
• You possess emotional intelligence, humility, willingness to learn and take and receive feedback constructively.
• You possess high ethical standards and a positive attitude.

Why IDEXX

We’re proud of the work we do because our work matters. An innovation leader in every industry we serve, we follow our Purpose and Guiding Principles to help pet owners worldwide keep their companion animals health and happy, to ensure safe drinking water for billions, and to help farmers protect livestock and poultry from disease. We have customers in over 175 countries and a global workforce of over 11,000 talented people.

So, what does that mean for you? We enrich livelihoods of our employees with a positive and respectful work culture that embraces challenges and encourages learning and discovery. At IDEXX, you will be supported by competitive compensation, incentives and benefits while enjoying purposeful work that drives improvement.

Let’s pursue what matters together!

IDEXX values a diverse workforce and workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBT individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. IDEXX is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.

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