At a Glance
- Tasks: Support leaders across EMEA and APAC in HR strategy and manage employee relations cases.
- Company: Join Sonar, a leader in AI code verification and governance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative office culture with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced tech environment while shaping workplace practices.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in HR and employee relations, with experience in multiple jurisdictions.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Who is Sonar? Sonar is driving the future of agent-centric software development. As the leader in AI code verification and governance, we solve a critical problem: ensuring that software generated by AI-assisted developers or autonomous agents is reliable, secure, and maintainable.
Integrating seamlessly with Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini, and Devin, we help over 75% of the Fortune 100 build trusted, reliable, compliant software. Customers who use Sonar are 44% less likely to report an outage due to AI-generated code.
We believe code verification is the critical missing link in the Agent-Centric Development Cycle (AC/DC). Industry giants like Nvidia, ServiceNow, Booking.com, Goldman Sachs, AstraZeneca, and Ford Motor Company count on us to provide independent, explainable, consistent review and governance of their AI-generated code via products like:
- SonarQube: The world’s leading AI code review and verification platform.
- SonarQube Foundation Agent: Currently topping the leaderboards for agentic software repair.
- SonarSweep & Sonar Context Augmentation: Providing the enterprise-grade context and constraints agents need to be truly effective.
Our team operates across global hubs in Austin, Bochum, Dubai, Geneva, London, San Mateo (California), Singapore, Tokyo, and Washington D.C. We move with a mindset we call CODE:
- Committed to our customers and community.
- Obsessed with quality.
- Deliberate in our decisions.
- Effective as one team.
With over $400M in revenue and profitable, fast-paced growth, we are building the backbone of the AI software revolution. If you’re hungry to have an impact, want to build at a fast pace, and ready to work at the forefront of AI, we want to hear from you.
Position description: Sonar’s EMEA and APAC footprint spans multiple legal jurisdictions, employment frameworks, and cultural contexts, from London to Geneva to Singapore. This role exists to give that population two things at once: a trusted HRBP who understands the business and the region, and a specialist who owns employee relations with the rigor and consistency a scaling, multi-jurisdiction company needs.
You will carry a dual mandate. As HRBP, you will be the day-to-day partner for leaders across EMEA and APAC, helping them make sound performance decisions and be a trusted partner to the business and its leaders. As the region’s Employee Relations specialist, you will own case management, investigations, and workplace practice end-to-end, working daily alongside our Head of Employment Law (based in Austin) to make sure every case is handled compliantly, consistently, and compassionately.
Your impact will show up in two ways: HRBP outcomes (org health, manager capability, retention) for the leaders you support, and ER outcomes (case volume, time-to-resolution, consistency of practice, and legal risk reduction) across the region.
What you will do:
HRBP
- Act as strategic HRBP for leaders across EMEA (Germany, UK, France, Switzerland) and APAC (Singapore, Japan), advising on org design, workforce planning, performance, and team dynamics with data and a point of view, not just a summary.
- Use the HRBP people dashboard and org health data to prepare insights for leadership and manager 1:1s, flagging risks and decisions before they become urgent.
- Support integration and engagement of new EMEA/APAC hires, partnering with Recruiting and People Ops on time-to-productivity and onboarding quality.
- Translate global People strategy (career frameworks, calibration, internal mobility, compensation philosophy) into guidance that works across EMEA and APAC’s different regulatory and cultural contexts.
Employee Relations & Workplace Practices
- Own employee relations cases end-to-end across EMEA and APAC. Performance, conduct, grievance, and exit cases — from intake through resolution.
- Lead workplace investigations with rigor and discretion, producing findings and recommendations that hold up to scrutiny.
- Partner daily with the Head of Employment Law (Austin) on complex or high-risk cases, ensuring practice stays aligned with employment law across every jurisdiction you cover.
- Build and maintain the region’s ER case management framework, investigation protocols, and workplace policies, keeping them current as regulation evolves (UK, EU, and APAC employment law; EU AI Act and GDPR implications for People decisions).
- Train and coach managers on early intervention and proactive feedback, working to reduce ER case volume over time, not just close what lands on your desk.
- Report on ER metrics, case volume, time-to-close, and risk exposure, to give leadership a clear, data-backed view of workplace health across the region.
Experience and qualifications:
- 7+ years combining HR Business Partner work with employee relations case management or workplace investigations, ideally across multiple jurisdictions.
- Direct experience partnering with in-house or external employment law counsel on complex, high-stakes cases.
- Experience supporting EMEA and/or APAC populations, comfortable with the added complexity of multiple legal systems and cultural norms in one remit.
- Experience in a high-growth technology company where pace is fast and ambiguity is normal.
Hard skills:
- Solid grounding in UK and EU employment law fundamentals, with working familiarity with APAC frameworks (or a fast learner’s ability to build it).
- Proven experience leading formal workplace investigations, from intake and evidence-gathering to written findings.
- Comfortable with HRIS platforms (BambooHR or equivalent) and building your own data-driven narratives without relying on an analyst.
- Familiar with, or actively curious about, AI tools in the HR workflow (Glean, Claude, or similar), with the judgment to evaluate outputs critically and own the final call.
How you show up:
- Discreet and trusted: people bring you sensitive situations because you handle them with judgment, confidentiality, and consistency.
- Direct communicator: you bring leaders clear choices and a recommendation, not an escalation without a point of view.
- Courageous: you hold the line on fairness and doing the right thing, especially when a case is uncomfortable.
- Structured under pressure: investigations and ER cases don’t wait for a good day, you stay organised and even-handed when things get tense.
In-office culture:
We're intentional about this. We believe the best teams are built in the room together. Three anchor days — Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays — create the collaboration rhythm that makes a hub office worth having. Candidates need to be genuinely based in the location the role is posted — if that's not where you are today, we're happy to support relocation for the right person.
We value diversity, equity, and inclusion:
At Sonar, we believe that our diversity is our strength. We are a global company that values and respects different backgrounds, perspectives, and cultures. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
If you need any accommodation, please reach out to us at hiring@sonarsource.com. All offers of employment at Sonar are contingent upon the results of a comprehensive background check and reference verification conducted before the start date.
Senior HR Business Partner, Employee Relations Specialist - EMEA & APAC employer: SonarSource SA
SonarSource SA is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, particularly in our London hub. We prioritise employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and a supportive environment, allowing you to thrive as you partner with leaders across EMEA and APAC. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth tech setting where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR Business Partner, Employee Relations Specialist - EMEA & APAC
✨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 SonarSource SA!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
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 SonarSource SA.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Business Partner, Employee Relations Specialist - EMEA & APAC
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 SonarSource SA. 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 SonarSource SA 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 SonarSource SA. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to SonarSource SA'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 SonarSource SA
✨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 SonarSource SA.
✨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 SonarSource SA 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 SonarSource SA and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
