ER Manager with fluent English and German

We are seeking an ambitious, commercially astute Labour and Employee Relations specialist to join a mission-driven organisation that is quite literally improving and saving lives worldwide.

In this role, you will act as the trusted subject matter expert in German employment law, workplace relations, and employee engagement policies, partnering with both HR and business leaders at major production sites across Germany. Responsibilities will span complex case management, risk mitigation advice for organisational change, resolving employee and group grievances, safeguarding the employer brand, negotiating with Works Councils, and delivering education programmes to management at all levels. Deep experience working with German Works Councils is essential.

This company has made great strides in reducing ER liabilities and continues to strengthen its reputation as an employer of choice. The expectation for this expert is to work proactively – anticipating and preventing issues before they escalate, rather than solely managing disputes after the fact.

Reporting directly to the VP Global HR, you can expect significant exposure to transformation, growth, and ambiguity – stemming from both organic expansion and acquisitions, alongside harmonisation of legacy businesses. You’ll also have a real opportunity to shape and refine the regional ER strategy, design policy frameworks, and contribute to high-impact projects.

The role is based at the company’s offices in Frankfurt, Germany. Fluent written and spoken English and German are required. EU citizenship is essential, and generous relocation support is available. (Please note visa/work permit sponsorship is not possible for this role.)

Other critical hiring criteria includes:

  • Solid career history within mid-to-large sized organisations (apologies but career contractors cannot be considered for this hire)

  • Proven success navigating complex, matrix structures

  • Strong analytical skills and a data-driven mindset, able to influence stakeholders with facts and evidence

  • Rigorous attention to detail in process, programme, and reporting design for ER matters

  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, adaptable to diverse audiences

  • Strong personal presence, confidence, and emotional intelligence – with the courage to challenge and influence effectively

  • Recognised as a thought leader, able to challenge convention and innovate practical solutions that enhance employee engagement

The role offers a competitive base salary of up to €140,000 (depending on experience), plus a generous performance bonus and benefits. There are genuine career development prospects with this employer, particularly if you are open to broadening your career into other HR functional roles, and/or able to consider future relocations around the world.

If this sounds like the next challenge you’ve been waiting for, we’d love to hear from you. Interviews are already being scheduled, with an offer expected to follow in the coming weeks.

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Employment Law, Employee RelationsLeanne MorrisEurope