At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Global Employee Relations Team and develop fair policies and practices.
- Company: Agoda, a diverse and inclusive company focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, and a commitment to professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team that values diversity and fosters collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in employee relations and shape workplace culture.
- Qualifications: 13+ years in Employee Relations with strong negotiation and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are looking for someone to lead our Global Employee Relations Team as a Senior Manager, Employee Relations. This role leads the development of policies, advisory standards, case governance and analytics to ensure fair, consistent and legally sound people practices. The incumbent partners closely with HR leadership, Legal, unions, and government agencies to manage complex disciplinary matters, labor relations issues and emerging workforce risks. The role combines deep industrial relationships expertise, policy leadership, stakeholder influence, and data‑driven decision making, and serves as a subject‑matter authority on employment legislation and industrial relations strategy.
Our Employee Relations consultants work closely with key stakeholders including our Legal/Compliance team, Corporate Tax, Corporate Governance, Talent Business Partner team and the Senior Management Team to support employees in challenging circumstances, and we seek to identify trends and share insights to adjust our people management practices to get the best talent outcomes. We advise and enable managers to make the best possible decisions, challenging practices that go beyond legal obligation to protect our unique culture at Agoda.
What You’ll Do
- Elevate Compliance and Policy Expertise: Act as the go‑to specialist on ER Matters, guiding managers in adhering to company policies, local laws, and regulations. Establish governance standards, operating guidelines and decision frameworks to ensure consistency across the organization. Translate employment legislation, case law and regulatory changes into clear institutional policies and guidance.
- Enhance Manager Effectiveness: Lead the design, review and implementation and advise people managers on the Organization‑wide employee & labor relations and HR policy framework. Critically evaluate systemic issues in manager capability and practices and elevate them appropriately to business leaders for sustainable resolution.
- Union Engagement: Represent the organization in union consultations, negotiations, arbitration and dispute resolution forums. Analyze union and management proposals to assess policy, financial and employee‑relations implications. Support collective bargaining strategies through data, benchmarking and scenario analysis.
- Streamline Disciplinary and Termination Processes: Ensure accurate execution and documentation of disciplinary actions and terminations to minimize labor disputes.
- Lead Investigations and Employee Relations processes: Conduct impartial investigations into grievances and serve as a dedicated Employee Relations partner, identifying trends and insights to inform procedural improvements.
- Drive Performance and Policy Enhancements through Analytics: Analyze performance management data and past misconduct cases to develop recommendations for capability‑building, policy revisions, training enhancements, and more effective management practices.
- Optimize Performance Management and Offboarding: Spearhead improvements in performance management systems and refine offboarding processes, incorporating data from different sources to enhance employee experiences.
- Regulatory & Dispute Management: Liaise with Legal team to represent and manage the Company in negotiations, arbitrations and dispute resolution forums or other regulatory authorities.
Required Qualifications
- Deep understanding of employee relations, labor relations and workplace dispute management.
- Strong working knowledge of employment legislation, regulations and industrial relations practices.
- Ability to interpret legislation and apply it practically within complex organizational environments.
- Advanced stakeholder management and influencing capability across senior leaders, unions and regulators.
- Strong negotiation, mediation and conflict‑resolution skills.
- Ability to balance organizational risk with empathy and sound judgement.
- Degree in Human Resource Management, Law, Industrial Relations, or related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
- A minimum of 13 years in Employee and Labor Relations or HR Business Partnering roles within large or regulated organizations, with a proven track record of handling complex employee relations issues.
- Extensive knowledge of employment laws and regulations in the relevant region, with the ability to interpret and apply them in various scenarios.
- Hands‑on experience managing and executing restructuring/change management projects.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
- Ability to cope well with ambiguity and change.
- High level of discretion, confidentiality, and ethical standards in handling sensitive information and situations.
- Sound judgement and the ability to make well‑informed decisions, balancing legal compliance with business needs.
- Proficiency in using data and analytics to inform decision‑making processes and improve employee relations strategies.
- Fluency in written and spoken English, with strong communication skills to effectively convey complex information.
- Demonstrated leadership qualities and a desire to take on managerial responsibilities in the future.
Preferred Qualifications
- Curiosity, ready to challenge current practices and perspectives.
- Great attention to detail.
- Great sense of ownership and reliability.
- Multicultural or International Experience.
- Humility, flexibility, good interpersonal skills.
Equal Opportunity Employer
At Agoda, we pride ourselves on being a company represented by people of all different backgrounds and orientations. We prioritize attracting diverse talent and cultivating an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. Employment at Agoda is based solely on a person’s merit and qualifications. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity regardless of sex, age, race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, citizenship, veteran or military status, and other legally protected characteristics.
Senior Manager, Employee Relations (Bangkok-based, Relocation Provided) employer: Agoda
Agoda is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, particularly for the Senior Manager, Employee Relations role based in vibrant Bangkok. With a strong commitment to employee growth, Agoda offers comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring that team members can thrive in their careers while contributing to innovative people practices. The company's dedication to diversity and collaboration, combined with its focus on ethical standards and compliance, makes it a rewarding place for professionals seeking meaningful and impactful work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, Employee Relations (Bangkok-based, Relocation Provided)
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Agoda!
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Agoda.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, Employee Relations (Bangkok-based, Relocation Provided)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Agoda. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Agoda and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Agoda. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Agoda's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Agoda
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Agoda.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Agoda will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Agoda and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.