Europe Labor Relations Leader

Advice and leadership on employee and union or works council relations. Advises management on legal/labour law/regulatory issues and risk management. Has in-depth knowledge and proven experience of labor relations legal frameworks at European and country levels. Significant experience with negotiation and consultation with employee representative bodies across Europe and advising on labour relations strategy and engagement including negotiations and dispute resolution. Stays updated on best practices, macro trends and legal and regulatory changes in labor and employee relations in Europe.

Location: Remote/Flexible in Europe.

The role will be responsible for managing the GE Vernova European Works Council: advising the business and HR leadership teams on the preparation of materials, timing of the process, engagement and attendance at meetings, liaising with country Labour Relations to align consultation and engagement and provision of advice to the communications teams as required. This role will be responsible for developing standard work relating to information, consultation and negotiation for all Labour relations engagement in Europe including preparation for wage negotiations and business change/restructuring.

A background in legal is strongly desired because this role will collaborate closely with the L&E legal function to ensure compliance with labour relations laws and regulations across Europe and to adapt to changes and trends in the labor relations environment and proactively address areas of risk. This role will be a key focal to, and will liaise with, the Segment HR teams and Vernova HQ HR, People Operations and other Global Functions to deliver high-quality, value-add labor and employee relations projects.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and lead the European Works Council, enable GEV labor and employee relations strategy by leading projects at the European level in support of the CoE’s mission.
• Ensure alignment and execution of a holistic labor relations strategy across Segments.
• Liaise and ensure consistency and co-ordination cross business on project proposals, information and consultation processes, implementation and deployment of change.
• Develop standard work for the preparation of business change where there is a requirement to engage in information and consultation.
• Development of Front Line Leadership training for People Leaders and HR to support best practice guidance on employee engagement, communication and management of change.
• Lead planning and execution of L&ER projects, including transformation and restructuring programs, M&A/BD activity, consultations and negotiations, and trainings and programs, ensuring cross-segment alignment.
• Participate as an active member of the L&ER COE team with responsibility for priorities to enable the CoE’s goals.
• Utilize lean tools within our lean culture to champion GE Vernova’s transformation.
• Identify and share best practices.
• Assist in providing governance by maintaining data and metrics.
• Partner with HR professionals to drive initiatives.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations or a related discipline or equivalent knowledge or experience.
• Demonstrated European experience of operating multiple change projects in a complex organisation.
• Management of a European Works Council and/or multiple country level works councils (Group structure or other).
• Managing Labour relations on a cross jurisdictional basis to drive consistency, create a team to identify strategic priorities and deliver meaningful change and support for business operations.
• Minimum significant experience of increasing HR responsibility (with emphasis on LR or ER in a Production, Maintenance and/or Services environment).
• Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions, manage conflicting priorities in a fast-paced environment and effectively interface at all organizational levels.
• Outstanding interpersonal and relationship-building skills and a customer-focused, “team first” mindset.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including strong PowerPoint and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Process and detail oriented, including strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Ability to travel ~35%+ time.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience of operating at a European level in a complex/matrixed organisation.
• Advanced degree in HR management, Law or Industrial Relations or equivalent knowledge or experience (such as MBA, MHR/IR, etc.).
• Experience driving business solutions through influence and collaboration in a matrixed organization.
• Resourceful, innovative, persuasive.

Relocation Assistance Provided: No. This is a remote position.