Head of Global Employment Law

Hotelbeds Group; Islas Baleares; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

HBX Group in Palma, Mallorca, is seeking a Head of Global Labour/Employee Relations to lead the ER team and advise HR and business across our global operations.

You will shape policy, ensure compliance with employment laws, manage complex disputes, and partner with Legal, Compliance, Audit and Tax to drive proactive, consistent advice.

Join a multinational, tech-driven travel group offering an inclusive culture and opportunities to grow across our global locations.

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of global employment legislation and its practical application.
• Proven track record in managing employee relations at multinational scale.
• Strong investigative and discretion skills for sensitive inquiries.
• Excellent conflict resolution and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to build partnerships with senior stakeholders and HR colleagues.
• High attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and coaching capabilities.
• Willingness to engage in wider HR initiatives in a fast-changing business.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Labour/Employee Relations team and provide expert, timely advice to HR and business leaders.
• Partner with HRBPs and management on disciplinaries, grievances, performance, absence, and harassment matters.
• Develop capability within HR and management to handle employee and labour issues effectively.
• Collaborate with Legal, Compliance, Audit, and Tax on cross-functional initiatives.
• Analyze ER data to identify trends and drive improvements in process and culture.
• Identify and implement process improvements within HR Operations aligned to strategy.
• Respond to queries within SLA and support delivery of projects and activities.

Skills

Global employment law

People management

Employee relations

Stakeholder management

Negotiation skills

Policy development

Cross-cultural collaboration

Communication skills

Job description

HBX Group is the world’s leading technology partner, connecting and empowering the world of travel. We’re game-changers, disruptors, the people who bring together local and global brands in accommodation, transport, activities and payments through our network of 300,000 hotels worldwide, 60,000 hard to reach high value clients such as tour operators, travel agents and loyalty schemes across 140 source markets. We are tech-driven, with a customer-first philosophy, and commercial teams whose knowledge and relationships on the ground are second to none. And of course we have an amazing team! Our people, Team HBX Group, are the beating heart of the company who we encourage to ‘move fast, dream big and make the difference’ every day. In fact, we believe that it is tech + data + people that truly sets us apart in the market, alongside our ‘global approach, local touch’ mentality. We’re headquartered in Palma, Mallorca and employ around 3,500 people worldwide.

JOB DESCRIPTION

About Us

HBX Group is a leading B2B ecosystem player in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses in the ever-evolving world of travel. We drive growth for our clients and partners while removing friction from the end-to‑end travel experience. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and reliable access to a unique portfolio of travel products & services, while rich data and intelligence seamlessly connect supply and demand worldwide.

We have over more than 3,000 experts worldwide, including specialists on the ground who provide insights and support to boost trading even further, especially in the most hard-to-reach segments. This unique blend of technology, data and passionate people serves as a catalyst for all businesses aiming to unlock their full potential in the travel arena.

Head of Global Employment Law

Reporting to the Director of Global People Operations, the Head of Global Labour/Employee Relations will lead professional, commercial, and business‑focused labour/employee relations advice to the HR Team and business. The core function of this role is to lead and develop the Labour/Employee Relations team providing expertise across the business on a range of employee matters, to ensure a positive employee experience as well as compliance with legislation across our global business.

Purpose of Role

You will be a key member of the global HR Operations Team and will be responsible for planning the activities of the team and ensuring the service is proactive, consistent, fair and that risk is managed appropriately. In addition to overseeing the day‑to‑day working of the team and service, you will also be involved in supporting the HR Strategy with implementation of global initiatives and policy development.

What will you be accountable for

• Performance and development of the employee relations team and ensuring the delivery of efficient and expert advice to HR colleagues and business leaders.
• Partner and support HRBP’s and business leaders in managing disciplinaries, grievances, performance management, absence, and bullying & harassment complaints.
• Lead and support the development of the HRBP’s and business managers capability in managing employee and labour situations.
• Partner with key internal stakeholders e.g. Legal, Compliance, Audit, Tax
• Analyse employee relations data, identify trends and recommend solutions to improve process, culture, and performance.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement within HR Operations in line with HR Strategy and overall business objectives and compliance processes, and develop and lead action plans to deliver on these.
• Respond to queries within SLA and support the team in the completion of projects and activities.

What we think you need to have to be successful in this job

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of global employment legislation, its interpretation and implementation, and of employment practices
• People management experience and proven track record in employee relations.
• Skilled at using effective listening, probing and investigatory skills to handle complex, sensitive enquiries and conversations with discretion, composure and compassion.
• Excellent conflict resolution and negotiation skills
• Proven ability to build strong partnerships and work collaboratively with senior stakeholders and HR colleagues.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to deliver on timelines as required.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including coaching skills.
• Agile and willing to get involved in HR and business initiatives

What we think you need to have to do the job

Minimum 5 years’ experience working a multinational environment specialising in employment/labour law or Human Resources.

Experience managing negotiations and consultations with trade unions and works councils.

Experience supporting the management of employment disputes, grievances, disciplinary situations.

Global exposure across multiple employment jurisdictions

Leading a team of HR or employee relations specialists.

Proven track record of getting involved and supporting wider HR initiatives.

At HBX Group, we believe that diversity drives innovation and makes travel a force for good. We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, embracing different backgrounds, perspectives and talents. Join us and be part of a team where diversity and equal opportunities really do make a difference.

You will have the opportunity to work for a company that is going through significant change in becoming the world´s leading travel services provider. We are looking for people that are ready to ride the wave in this exciting journey.

As well as an attractive benefits package you will be able to work:

• Within an innovative, engaging and multicultural environment.
• Have the opportunity to build strong and lasting business relationships and friendships from around the world.
• Have the opportunity in developing your career locally or within one of our beautiful working locations across the globe.