(Senior) Labour Relations Lead EMEA (m/f/d)

Clarios; Hannover; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Vacation days above average

Mobility policy

Company kindergarten

Job summary

Clarios seeks an (Senior) Labour Relations Lead EMEA (m/f/d) to shape and execute labor relations strategy across the EMEA region, including Germany. You will advise HR and management, draft agreements, and oversee negotiations with works councils and unions.

Based in Hannover, Germany, you’ll translate EU directives into practical guidance while collaborating with the internal legal team. The role requires strong negotiation skills, legal insight, and fluency in English and German.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Labor Relations or related field.
• Master of Laws (LL.M.) with specialization in labor/employment law preferred.
• Proven track record of managing labor relations with workers' councils and unions at multiple levels.
• Experience as a teacher/trainer for business partners on labor relations topics.
• Exposure to compliance topics or whistleblower processes is a plus.
• Strong communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills; solution-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement labor relations strategies for the EMEA region in coordination with management and HR.
• Provide guidance to HR on labor relations issues, including CBA interpretation and disciplinary actions.
• Draft and review company agreements, CBAs and employment contracts.
• Lead negotiations with works councils and unions in Germany and other EMEA countries.
• Research EU Labor Law Directives and translate into actionable guidance for policies and templates.
• Drive improvements in company agreements with HR Directors and internal legal team.
• Collaborate with Global Legal and EMEA legal teams.
• Investigate concerns raised via Corporate Integrity Helpline or local channels.
• Deliver coaching and training to promote best practices in contract administration and labor-management relations.

Skills

Labor relations

Negotiation

Communication

Data analysis

Digital literacy

Bilingual EN/DE

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Labor Relations

LL.M. in labor/employment law

Tools

HR software

Legal research databases

Job description

At Clarios, we are producing the world’s best batteries, essential for the evolving future of transportation. Our advanced, low-voltage batteries and smart solutions power nearly every type of vehicle and are found in 1 of 3 cars on the road today. Ready to apply your labor relations expertise to drive the future of HR initiatives at Clarios? Then take on the challenge and become a valued member of our team!

Power your future with Clarios and explore the possibilities with us.

As (Senior) Labour Relations Lead EMEA (m/f/d) you will be responsible for supporting and shaping the labor relations strategy for the EMEA Region, including Germany, Spain, Czech Republic, France, and Turkey. This role is pivotal in shaping and executing the collective labor relations strategies, providing hands‑on advice to HR and management, drafting agreements, handling compliance issues, and closely monitoring labor law developments across the region.

The position will be based in our Clarios EMEA headquarters office in Hannover, Germany.

What you will do

As (Senior) Labour Relations Lead EMEA (m/f/d), you will use your expertise in employment law and pragmatic thinking to

• develop and implement labor relations strategies and initiatives for the EMEA region in coordination with local management and human resources, ensuring that operational, financial and employee needs are met.
• provide guidance and support to HR and business partners on labor relations issues, including compliance with collective bargaining agreements, CBA interpretation and disciplinary actions.
• draft and review company agreements, collective bargaining documents, and employment contracts
• oversee and participate in negotiations and cooperation with works councils, trade unions and other employee representatives in Germany and other EMEA countries.
• conduct research and analysis related to EU Labor Law Directives and their potential impact on the Company.
• translate developments in EU Labor Law into actionable guidance, policies, templates, and training in conjunction with internal legal department.
• drive process improvements related to company agreements in alignment with HR Directors and internal legal department.
• collaborate with the internal legal department, including General Counsel, Global Labor & Employment and EMEA legal team.
• investigate internal concerns raised through the Corporate Integrity Helpline as assigned by Global Ethics & Compliance Team or through local channels in compliance with EU Whistleblower Directive.
• support developing and delivering coaching, guidance and training to build and promote best practices in contract administration and labor-management relations.

What makes you a good fit

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related field
• A Master of Laws (LL.M.) with specialization in labor/employment law or qualification as a fully qualified lawyer is preferred but not required
• Proven track record of successfully managing labor relations (working with works councils, trade unions, and other employee representatives at domestic and international levels)
• Demonstrated track record of being a teacher, trainer, mentor to business partners on labor relations topics
• Prior exposure to compliance topics or Helpline processes is a plus
• Strong communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills, combined with a pragmatic and solution-oriented approach
• Confident presenting and leading sessions with leadership and/or works council
• Digital savvy, familiar with AI
• Data analysis and consolidation skills
• Fluent in both English and German (written and spoken); additional language skills are an advantage

What we offer you

As a technology leader with strong brands (i.e. VARTA® and OPTIMA®), Clarios notably lives on the creativity, capability and satisfaction of its employees. Therefore, we offer people with drive and power many good reasons to join us:

• Exciting professional tasks and challenges in a diverse international future-oriented environment with strong commitment to integrity, values, social engagement, and sustainability.
• Arrange your working hours and breaks flexible via our flexible working hours model and combine your professional and private life even better according to our above average number of vacation days, mobile work policy and company kindergarten.
• A competitive remuneration package, including additional payments as well as company pension scheme.
• Your well-being is very important to us: Take advantage of our preventive health care offers such as fitness center, physiotherapist, modern office environment, healthy canteen, team and company events or hobby clubs.
• Stay fit whilst at the same time positively contributing to our environment: Lease your company bike.
• Our well-advanced onboarding process and buddy program supports you to quickly grow into the position and team. By using the offering in our Learning Academy, LinkedIn Learning and EMEA Mentoring Program you will be able to further grow professionally and personally.
• Last, but not least we support you in relocating and finding an apartment in your work location, if applicable and depending on individual factors.

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About Clarios

Clarios is the global leader in advanced, low-voltage battery technologies for mobility. Our batteries and smart solutions power nearly every type of vehicle and are found in 1 of 3 cars on the road today. With around 18,000 employees in over 100 countries, we bring deep expertise to our Aftermarket and OEM partners, and reliability, safety and comfort to everyday lives. We answer to the planet with a rigorous sustainability focus – advancing best-in-class sustainability practices and advocating for them across our industry. We work to ensure 100% of our products sold are recyclable, and we recycle 8,000 batteries an hour in our network. You can find more information here (PDF).

Equal Employment Opportunity

Clarios, LLC is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information, please view EEO is the Law, EEO is the Law (supplement), and Pay Transparency Non-discrimination. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please email [e-mail].