Global Head of Labor Relations - Robotics (m/f/d)

ABB; Ort; Hybrid; EUR 90.000 - 120.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A global market leader in robotics is seeking a leader to establish the labor relations framework for a new entity. The role involves managing the European Works Council and ensuring compliance with labor laws while fostering productive relationships. Ideal candidates will possess extensive experience in labor relations, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to work across cultures. This role offers a hybrid work model and the chance to shape the future of labor relations in a fast-moving industry.

Leistungen

Opportunity to shape governance processes

Collaborative and diverse team culture

Impact at scale in employee relations

Qualifikationen

• 10+ years of experience in labor relations, ideally in tech or engineering.
• Proven expertise in EU and German labor law and works council frameworks.
• Demonstrated success in managing European Works Councils.

Aufgaben

• Design and implement labor relations strategy for Robotics NewCo.
• Establish and manage the European Works Council (EWC).
• Support HR leaders in labor relations matters.

Kenntnisse

Labor relations expertise

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Fluent in German and English

Ausbildung

Degree in Law or Industrial Relations

Jobbeschreibung

At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we’ll give you what you need to make it happen. It won’t always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you’ll never run alone. Run what runs the world.

This role sits within ABB's Robotics business, a leading global robotics company. We're entering an exciting new chapter as we’ve announced the plan for SoftBank Group to acquire ABB Robotics. SoftBank is a globally recognized technology group and investor/operator focused on AI, robotics, and next‑generation computing. By joining us now, you’ll be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of robotics—working alongside world‑class experts in a fast‑moving, innovation‑driven environment.

This Position Reports To

Division HR Manager, RARO

In this role, you will establish and lead the labor relations framework for Robotics NewCo, ensuring we meet Global and local requirements while building a professional, transparent, and collaborative dialogue with employee representatives. You will be the first point of contact setting up the European Works Council (EWC) in accordance with EU directive, developing a governance model for labour relations, and supporting HR and business leaders and people.

Your work will lay the foundation for a positive, fair, and engaged employee relations culture, ensuring Robotics NewCo combines the agility and strength of a global leader.

The work model for the role is: hybrid, remote.

Key stakeholders

European Works council, HRBPs, Business Leaders and group legal/HR functions.

You Will Be Mainly Accountable For

• Designing and implementing Robotics NewCo’s global labour relations strategy, policies, and governance model, aligned with local legislation and cultural contexts.
• Establishing and managing the European Works Council (EWC) in line with EU directives, ensuring effective representation, collaboration, and ongoing engagement with employee representatives.
• Building a systematic, professional culture of collaboration with unions and works councils, grounded in trust, transparency, and partnership.
• Supporting and coaching HR leaders and business managers in managing labour relations matters, negotiations, and employee representation.
• Anticipating and analyzing social, legal, and labour market trends, tracking union priorities, and ensuring proactive preparation for negotiations and engagements.
• Monitoring and actively mitigating any labor or employee relations related risks, resolving complex labour relations issues to ensure compliance, minimize risk, and maintain a positive, engaged work environment.
• Additional responsibilities are to be assigned to the selected candidate based on their background and skills.

Qualifications For The Role

• Degree in Law, Industrial Relations, or a related field; advanced labor law qualifications are an advantage.
• Extensive experience (10+ years) in labor relations and employee relations leadership, ideally in technology, engineering, or innovation‑driven industries.
• Proven expertise in working with EU and German, French, Dutch and Scandinavian labor law, with deep knowledge of works council/union frameworks and collective bargaining.
• Demonstrated success in establishing or managing a European Works Council (EWC) and developing governance structures for labor relations.
• Hands‑on and results‑driven mindset, with the ability to balance strategic influence and pragmatic delivery in a carve‑out or transformation environment.
• Strong negotiation skills with a track record of delivering concrete, sustainable outcomes in complex labor relations contexts.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build trust‑based relationships with unions, works councils, and senior leadership and HRBPs.
• Fluent in German and English (written and spoken); additional European languages are a plus.
• Ability to work across cultures, geographies, and time zones, bringing a global mindset and local expertise.

What's in it for you?

• Be part of a once‑in‑a‑lifetime journey: establish the labor relations framework of a Robotics NewCo from the ground up.
• Impact at scale: your work defines how we collaborate with unions and works councils across Europe.
• Freedom to shape: design governance, processes, and relationships that reflect both European requirements and NewCo’s culture.
• Grow with us: gain exposure to senior leadership, complex negotiations, and high‑impact carve‑out projects.
• Collaborative culture: join a diverse, energetic team that values trust, fairness, and partnership.

Our Team Dynamics

You will join a high‑performing, collaborative, and forward‑looking HR team, where you can thrive by building something new, tackling complex challenges, and shaping the future of labor relations in Robotics NewCo.

We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit www.abb.com to read more about us and learn about the impact of our solutions across the globe.

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