Senior Employee Relations Manager

Job description
Reporting to the Head of International Employee Relations in the UK, this role will be responsible for managing a broad range of employee relations (ER) cases as well as supporting on business change projects, with a focus on Asia as a region.

The Senior Employee Relations Manager will engage closely with the UK ER team but also support Asia ER lead with advisory across Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Australia, so early morning starts will be required.

Essential Functions

This position will provide ER situational support in UK but also liaise closely with the Lead ER partner in Asia on projects which would greatly benefit from having language skills (such as Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean).

Key Accountabilities
• Serve as a subject matter expert on a broad range of ER issues, including performance management, internal investigations, disciplinary actions and terminations, severance, the redundancy and consultation process, and HR policies and practices, among others
• Conducting investigations and preparing comprehensive investigation reports which includes recommendations for complaint resolution, coaching, counselling, and discipline where appropriate
• Responding to and investigating complaints involving complex employment matters under guidance and supervision from senior Employee Relations management and internal and External Legal counsel
• Advising on and support business change processes, including acquisitions, restructurings and reorganizations
• Providing insight and interpretation to managers and employees regarding relevant employment principles, complex employee relations issues, performance management, workplace investigations and critical incident management as well as on processes linked to occupational health process
• Pro-actively assist in reviewing, revising and/or recommending ER policies for the company and propose, align and consult on required agreements where it’s needed
• Partner effectively to create change management and communication plans for a broad audience to include Human Resources and employees as appropriate
• Proactively identify and communicate employment and workplace trends (internally and externally).
• Conduct ongoing analysis of employee relations data to identify trends and determine levels of staff satisfaction to partner to create and develop programs and initiatives that will support strategic efforts to create an ideal work environment
• Design and facilitate training and workshops on key HR policies and best practices
• Collaborate across functions and departments, including Legal for advice and decision on employee relations matters
• Conduct regular meetings with key stakeholders in HR and the business.

Skills & Experience
• 5+ years of relevant experience managing Employee Relations and a BS or BA degree
• Employment Law Degree preferred
• Language - Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean would be beneficial and English is required
• Broad knowledge of HR principles, practices, and procedures in UK & Asia region
• Requires solid working knowledge and understanding of Human Resources legislation/employment law, principles, policies, and procedures.