Original Beschreibung
# Senior International Employee Relations Manager (all genders)
**Berlin** | **Full time**
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## **THE ROLE & THE TEAM**
Step into a pivotal role as Senior International Employee Relations Manager within Zalando's People & Organisation team. This isn't just an ER position; it's a unique opportunity to be part of the team who architect and execute the employee relations strategy for the entire Zalando Group across its dynamic international landscape, directly impacting all international employees in key markets including Sweden, Finland, China, Ireland, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland.
You will be at the heart of Zalando's growth, forging robust partnerships with Corporate Governance teams, local Business Partners, and diverse employee representative bodies. Your expertise will ensure constructive collaboration and skillful negotiations on strategic business topics. This role offers profound insight into five critical pillars of HR and business success: work organization, performance management, careers, employee voice, and our overarching company culture. You'll navigate a complex and rewarding stakeholder environment, influencing PNO executives (VP and Director level), operational leaders (including SVPs, VPs, Directors, and occasionally management board members), and collaborating closely with cross-functional expert teams in employment law, corporate communications, internal communications, and public policy. As Zalando is committed to growth in Europe, alongside its expansion in China, your contribution will be crucial in shaping our people strategy in an environment of increasing headcount and evolving market dynamics.
****INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN****
At Zalando, our vision is to be inclusive by design. And this vision starts with our hiring - we do not discriminate on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation, personal expression, ethnicity, religious belief, or disability status. You are welcome to leave out your picture, age, or marital status from your application. We only assess candidates on their qualifications and merit.
We want to provide you with a great candidate experience. Feel free to inform us of any accommodations you may need, so we can best support you throughout the hiring process.
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## **WHAT WE'D LOVE YOU TO DO (AND LOVE DOING) ...**
* **Shape Our International Footprint & Strategy**: Directly influence and implement critical labor relations strategies across diverse European markets (including Sweden, Finland, China, Italy, France, Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland). You'll collaborate with internal experts and external advisors, offering deep dives into work organization, performance, careers, employee voice, and culture.
* **Influence at the Highest Levels:** Act as a trusted advisor, providing expert ER guidance to senior PNO executives, operational SVPs, VPs, and Directors, directly impacting the implementation of Zalando’s overarching employee relations vision.
* **Drive Strategic Expansion and Change Management**: Be instrumental in Zalando's growth story. Play a key role in defining clear, robust labor standards for new market entries in Europe and supporting our ongoing expansion in China, ensuring our ER framework evolves with our business.
* **Build and Nurture Critical Relationships**: Develop, manage, and deepen Zalando’s relationships with international employee representative bodies and works councils, fostering a climate of constructive dialogue, especially in key markets with active labor relations like Sweden and Poland. This includes an estimated travel commitment of 20-40% to build these connections in person.
* **Gain Comprehensive Business Exposure**: Engage with the full spectrum of Zalando’s operations, from corporate functions to the dynamic frontline of our logistics environments, understanding the unique needs of both knowledge workers and blue-collar employees.
* Potential for Growth: While currently an individual contributor role, the significant workload and strategic importance may lead to team expansion, offering potential future leadership opportunities.
## **WE'D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF ...**
* Develop, implement, and continuously refine the international employee relations strategy for our employees across key European markets and entities (Sweden, Finland, China, Italy, France, Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland).
* Serve as the primary ER expert and consultant to senior leadership (VPs/Directors) and Site Leaders and People & Organisation Business Partners on complex ER matters, policy development, and strategic initiatives.
* Lead and support negotiations and consultations with works councils and other employee representative bodies on a range of topics, including compensation, working conditions, and organizational changes.
* Partner with Legal, Communications, Public Policy, and other cross-functional teams to ensure a cohesive and compliant approach to employee relations.
* Define, establish, and implement robust labor standards and ER frameworks for new market entries as part of Zalando’s European and China expansion strategy.
* Proactively manage ER implications of business transformations, restructuring, and headcount growth, providing guidance on change management.
* Champion employee voice mechanisms and contribute to fostering a positive organizational culture across diverse employee groups.
* Leverage data and insights to monitor ER trends, identify potential risks, and develop proactive solutions.
* Travel (20-40%) to engage with local teams, employee representatives, and advisors, particularly in markets with significant labor relations activity.
****OUR OFFER****
Zalando provides a range of benefits, here’s an overview of what you can expect. Ask your Talent Acquisition Partner to learn more about what we offer.
* Employee shares program
* 40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Zalando Lounge, discounts from external partners
* 2 paid volunteering days a year
* Hybrid working model with 60% remote per week, actual practice is up to each team to best support their collaboration
* Work from abroad for up to 30 working days a year
* 27 days of vacation a year to start
* Relocation assistance available (subject to prior agreement)
* Family services, including counseling and support
* Health and wellbeing options (including Gympass)
* Mental health support and coaching available
* Drive your development through our training platform and biannual peer-to-peer review