Lead, Labor Relations, EMEA & Germany

Nike; Hilversum; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Nike seeks a Lead Labor Relations Consultant for EMEA & Germany, based in the Netherlands. You will shape Nike's relations with employee representative bodies and guide labor strategy across the region, with Germany as a key market.

The role balances Germany focus (50%) with regional initiatives, partnering with HR, business leaders and Works Councils to deliver complex projects and ensure compliant, constructive engagement.

Qualifications

• Fluent in German and English with strong communication skills.
• Experience leading labor relations or HR activities with Works Councils in Germany.
• Expertise in social dialogue, consultation processes and employee relations.

Responsibilities

• Lead Labor Relations strategy and execution for Germany with Works Councils.
• Drive the ER/LR workstream for regional initiatives across EMEA.
• Collaborate with HR, leaders and Centers of Excellence to identify LR risks and opportunities.
• Deliver end-to-end LR projects with governance and cross-functional teams.
• Support implementation of EMEA LR strategy across multiple countries and brands.
• Develop long-term engagement strategies with employee representative bodies.
• Advise on complex LR matters during consultations and organizational change.
• Build deep expertise in German LR legislation while broadening EMEA knowledge.

Skills

German language

English language

Stakeholder management

Project management

HR partnering

Labor relations expertise

Change management

Job description

What You’ll Work On

As the Lead Labor Relations Consultant for EMEA & Germany, you’ll play a critical role in shaping how Nike partners with employee representative bodies while enabling business transformation across EMEA. Based in the Netherlands, this is a unique opportunity to influence Labor Relations strategy across the region while serving as the lead Labor Relations partner for Germany, one of Nike’s most complex and strategically important markets. Approximately 50% of your role will focus on leading Labor Relations across Germany, while the remaining 50% will support regional enterprise initiatives and help shape the future of Labor Relations across EMEA.

What You’ll Work On

As the Lead Labor Relations Consultant for EMEA & Germany, you’ll play a critical role in shaping how Nike partners with employee representative bodies while enabling business transformation across EMEA. Based in the Netherlands, this is a unique opportunity to influence Labor Relations strategy across the region while serving as the lead Labor Relations partner for Germany, one of Nike’s most complex and strategically important markets. Approximately 50% of your role will focus on leading Labor Relations across Germany, while the remaining 50% will support regional enterprise initiatives and help shape the future of Labor Relations across EMEA.

You'll

• Lead Labor Relations strategy and execution for Germany, partnering with Works Councils across both Corporate and Retail teams.
• Drive the Labor Relations workstream for strategic business initiatives, organizational transformations and enterprise programmes across EMEA.
• Partner with HR, business leaders and Centers of Excellence to proactively identify Labor Relations considerations, risks and opportunities that enable successful business outcomes.
• Own end-to-end delivery of complex Labor Relations projects by establishing governance, leading cross-functional project teams, managing timelines and ensuring effective stakeholder communication.
• Support the implementation and evolution of Nike’s EMEA Labor Relations strategy across multiple countries, brands and employee populations.
• Develop long-term engagement strategies that strengthen relationships with employee representative bodies while supporting business priorities.
• Act as a trusted advisor on complex Labor Relations matters, providing guidance through consultations, organizational change and sensitive employee relations topics.
• Build and maintain deep expertise in German Labor Relations legislation while developing broader knowledge of Labor Relations practices across the EMEA region.
• Cultivate trusted partnerships with Works Councils, business leaders, HR partners, and key functional stakeholders.

Who You’ll Work With

This is more than a country Labor Relations role. It’s an opportunity to shape Labor Relations across one of Nike’s most important markets while influencing regional strategy and business change across EMEA. Based in the Netherlands and reporting to the Director of Labor Relations, you’ll work closely with senior business leaders, HR Business Partners, country HR teams, Legal Counsel and Centers of Excellence across the region. You’ll help define how Nike engages with employee representative bodies, build trusted partnerships across the business, and play a key role in enabling the future of work at Nike.

Who We”re Looking For

We’re looking for a Labor Relations leader who enjoys operating across both strategic and operational priorities. You’re comfortable influencing senior stakeholders, navigating complexity and balancing the needs of the business with meaningful employee engagement. You’ll combine deep German Labor Relations expertise with the curiosity and commercial mindset needed to support initiatives across a diverse EMEA landscape. This role offers a unique opportunity to build Labor Relations expertise across EMEA, while deepening expertise in Germany. It provides a strong foundation for future growth in HR.

You’ll Bring

• Fluency in German and English is essential, enabling you to build trust, lead consultation processes, and partner effectively with stakeholders across Germany and the broader EMEA region.
• Experience in leading Labor Relations or in HR roles with significant involvement with Works Councils in Germany – ideally within a complex, multinational organization.
• Expertise in social dialogue, consultation processes and collective employee relations.
• Experience supporting organizational transformation, restructures and business change programmes.
• Proven capability managing complex or high-profile Labor Relations matters.
• Strong project and programme management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives across multiple stakeholders and countries.
• The ability to navigate effectively within a large, matrixed organization.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into clear messages and drive alignment.
• Structured, strategic problem solving, with the ability to navigate ambiguity.
• Commercial acumen, cultural awareness and the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
• Candidates must be able to work from the Netherlands, with regular travel to Germany.