Associate Relations Manager [Italy]

AniCura Group; Milano; In loco; EUR 55.000 - 75.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

A leading veterinary care provider is seeking an Associate Relations Manager in Milan, Italy. This full-time role involves coaching business partners on associate relations practices, maintaining compliance with Italian labor laws, and managing employee relations matters. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in a regulated environment and strong communication skills in both Italian and English. Responsibilities include delivering training and building trusted relationships with stakeholders. Fluency in multiple languages is an advantage.

Competenze

• Minimum 5 years of experience in associate relations or labour relations.
• Strong knowledge of Italian employment law.
• Experience managing complex investigations and sensitive employee relations matters.

Mansioni

• Coach P&O Business Partners on associate relations practices.
• Design and deliver training sessions for managers.
• Build trusted relationships with management and associates.

Conoscenze

Employee Relations

Conflict Resolution

Leadership

Coaching

Analytical Thinking

Communication

Formazione

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Law or related discipline

Strumenti

Workday

Descrizione del lavoro

Note: If interested please submit your CV in English.

About MVH Europe

Mars Veterinary Health (MVH) Europe is a family of leading veterinary care providers committed to creating a better world for pets. Our network includes trusted brands such as AniCura and Linnaeus operating over 500 animal hospitals and clinics across 17 European countries. Together our teams deliver high‑quality modern veterinary care for companion animals ensuring peace of mind for pet owners through excellent access and patient safety.

AniCura, our largest brand in Europe, provides care to over three million patients each year through 12,500 dedicated professionals. Linnaeus, operating primarily in the UK and Ireland, is home to over 6,000 Associates empowered to deliver exceptional care through a culture of collaboration, clinical excellence and continuous development.

At MVH Europe we prioritise a culture of accountability, inclusion and wellbeing. We believe our purpose to make a BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with building a better world for our people. We support our teams through strong governance, comprehensive wellbeing programmes and a shared passion for delivering exceptional outcomes in veterinary care.

Role Overview

This role sits within the MVH Europe People & Organisation function and operates across veterinary and support services within a complex multi‑site and unionised environment. The Associate Relations Manager plays a critical role in balancing associate advocacy with operational legal and commercial priorities, ensuring decisions align with Mars values and local regulatory requirements.

The role supports organisational effectiveness by advising on workforce transitions, organisational design considerations and cross‑functional initiatives while enabling consistent, fair and compliant associate relations practices across the Operating Unit.

Key Responsibilities

• Coach P&O Business Partners and people managers on associate relations practices, conflict management, policy application and ethical decision‑making.
• Design and deliver training sessions, workshops and practical tools to improve consistency and confidence in handling people issues.
• Promote an associate‑first mindset supported by strong emotional intelligence and professionalism.

Policy Compliance & Insights

• Maintain expert knowledge of Italian labour law, union obligations and regulatory requirements ensuring ongoing compliance.
• Partner with Legal and Risk teams to update policies and frameworks in response to regulatory or business changes.
• Track external labour relations and regulatory developments to drive proactive prevention and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Build trusted relationships with managers, associates, senior leaders, Legal, Compensation and external agencies.
• Collaborate across Mars Veterinary Health banners and global teams to share best practices and ensure alignment.
• Represent the Operating Unit in external discussions with regulatory or government bodies when required.

Summary of the Role

Job Title: Associate Relations Manager

Department: People & Organization

Reports to: Director Associate Relations

Location: Milan, Italy

Contract: Full time

Languages: Italian and English (additional European languages advantageous)

Education & Professional Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Law or related discipline preferred.

Relevant certifications in employee relations, labour law or P&O management are advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in associate relations and/or labour relations within a complex regulated or unionised environment.
• Proven experience managing complex investigations and sensitive employee relations matters.
• Strong knowledge of Italian employment law, collective agreements, compliance frameworks and case documentation standards.
• Demonstrated ability to coach leaders and influence outcomes with professionalism and integrity.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including facilitation of training and difficult conversations.
• High emotional intelligence, resilience and sound judgement under pressure.
• Experience analysing trends and data to identify systemic issues and improvement opportunities.
• Experience with Workday or other P&O information systems is an advantage.
• Fluency in Italian and English is required.

Key Competencies

• Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution
• Leadership & Coaching
• Legal & Regulatory Compliance
• Investigation & Analytical Thinking
• Communication & Stakeholder Management
• Process Improvement & Strategic Thinking

Interested

Please contact Lekya Kanamarlapudi, Group Corporate Recruitment Partner, who is happy to tell you more about this opportunity and the recruitment process. Or apply by submitting your resume through clicking the apply button below.

MVHE is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.

Internal Candidates / Associates: If you are interested in this position please reach out to the Corporate Recruiter to understand the internal recruitment pathway.