Senior Employee Relations Manager - (Works Council Focus) - "Global Life-Science Leader"

LabCorp; Huntingdon; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in laboratory services is seeking an experienced employee relations professional to lead work council strategy for non-US locations. This role, based in Huntingdon, England, requires extensive knowledge in employment law and works councils across Europe and involves liaising with unions in Germany, Belgium, and France. Ideal candidates should have a minimum of 5 years' experience and fluency in German and Dutch. The position offers a flexible work pattern and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Work-life balance

Training & development

Employee engagement programs

Qualifications

• Degree educated with a relevant professional qualification.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in works council and union matters.
• Experience in multiple European jurisdictions.
• Accreditation in Human Resources or similar is desirable.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and work council practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a work council strategy for non-US locations.
• Act as the primary liaison with works councils.
• Provide expert counsel to senior leadership on union matters.
• Prepare documentation for works council consultations.
• Lead or contribute to global employee relations projects.

Skills

Employment law knowledge

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Conflict resolution

Strategic thinking

Fluent in German

Fluent in Dutch

Fluent in English

Education

Degree in a relevant field

Professional qualification in HR

Specialist legal or employment law qualifications

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

If so, read on! Labcorp is recruiting an experienced employee relations professional to lead on work council strategy for its non‑US locations. This role is based in Europe and serves as a strategic link between the business and works councils in Germany, Belgium, and France. As part of a global ER team, you will collaborate across regions to ensure compliance, foster trust, and drive proactive collective employee relations initiatives and programmes. This role is key in supporting works council negotiations and fostering positive relationships with non‑US unions. The role is part of a global team supporting Labcorp employees in the US, UK, Europe, India and APAC. The opportunities for growth and development are only limited to the candidate's ambition.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive work council and collective employee relations strategy for non‑US Labcorp locations to support organisational goals and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Act as the primary liaison between the business and works councils, ensuring accurate and timely communication.
• Provide expert counsel to senior leadership on work council and trade union matters to deliver business goals.
• Equip internal stakeholders to engage effectively with works councils, providing guidance and best‑practice.
• Prepare documentation and coordinate with internal stakeholders for works council consultations.
• Lead or contribute to global ER projects where collective engagement is necessary.
• Provide insights and recommendations to enhance ER strategies across jurisdictions.
• Advise on high‑risk and complex employee relations situations when necessary.
• Partner with HR and other centres of excellence to deliver integrated solutions as OneHR.
• Serve as the liaison between the business and works councils, ensuring matters are presented appropriately.

Qualifications

• Degree educated with relevant professional qualification desirable.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in works council and union matters.
• Experience in multiple European jurisdictions (Germany, Belgium, and France preferred).
• Accreditation in Human Resources or similar is desirable.
• Specialist legal or employment law qualifications.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of employment laws, works council practices and regulations.
• Excellent negotiation, mediation, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working in a global, matrix organisation.
• Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to manage and resolve conflicts and disputes effectively.
• Ability to disseminate technical and complex information and provide updates to key stakeholders.
• Experience balancing competing priorities from various internal stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking, with excellent analytical and problem‑solving experience.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders, including works council members, union representatives, employees and leadership.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact and respect.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office suite, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Additional Requirements

• German and Dutch – written and spoken.
• Excellent written and spoken business English.

Job Overview

• Flexible work pattern to support multiple time zones while complying with local working time provisions.
• Hybrid or office‑based depending on location.
• Minimal travel (5‑10%) locally or internationally may be required.

What you will find at Labcorp

• Work‑life balance: Manage your schedule with our employee‑friendly leave policy and flexible working times.
• Training & development: Access self‑paced, virtual and in‑person training to grow your career and develop a global mindset.
• Employee engagement: Participate in cross‑team connections, mentorship and a culture that values collaboration.

About Labcorp

Labcorp is a global leader of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services that helps doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers and patients make clear and confident decisions. With over 60,000 employees, we combine cutting‑edge innovation, science and technology to solve today’s biggest health challenges.

Labcorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Labcorp is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.