Associate Director - Employee Relations

Acuity Knowledge Partners is seeking to recruit a Global Head of Employee Relations. This newly created role reports directly to the CHRO and can be based in India across our operating centers in Gurgaon, Pune or Bangalore.

As a Head of Employee Relations (ER), the incumbent is responsible for fostering positive employee relationships, ensuring compliance, and resolving workplace issues, acting as a strategic partner to HR and business leaders to maintain a productive and engaged workforce. This is a player coach role managing a team of ER specialists and managing sensitive investigations where needed.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement employee relations strategies and programs that align with the organization's goals.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations.
• Advise management on employee relations matters.
• Stay current on industry trends, best practices, and changes in employment laws to ensure the organization remains compliant and maintains a competitive employee relations strategy.
• Monitor and analyze key employee relations metrics and recommend improvement initiatives based on the findings.

Employee Relations Management:

• Act as a primary point of contact for employee grievances, complaints, disputes and concerns, ensuring they are resolved promptly and in line with company policies and applicable laws.
• Manage disciplinary actions and terminations, ensuring fairness and consistency.
• Facilitate conflict resolution and mediation.

Training and Development:

• Provide coaching and training to managers on employee relations matters, conflict resolution, and performance management.
• Develop and deliver ER training programs for employees and managers. Facilitate and participate in employee relations training programs, workshops, and meetings to promote understanding and awareness of company policies and procedures.
• Proactively identify potential employee relations issues and develop interventions to prevent or mitigate them.

Policy and Procedure Development:

• Develop and implement employee relations strategies, policies, and programs that align with the organization's goals and values.
• Ensure policies are consistent with legal requirements and best practices.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with employees, managers, and other stakeholders.
• Represent the organization in employee relations matters.
• Collaborate with legal counsel to ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations and assist with any related legal matters.

Performance Management:

• Support managers in implementing performance management processes.
• Provide guidance on performance improvement plans and corrective actions.

Change Management:

• Support organizational changes and transitions, ensuring employee engagement and buy-in.
• Manage communication during restructuring and other significant changes.

Key Competencies

• Education: Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience: Significant global experience in employee relations, human resources, or a related field.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of global employment laws, HR policies, and best practices.
• Skills:
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build rapport and trust with employees and managers.
• Experience with performance management, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Proficiency in HR software and systems.
• Certifications: SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or other relevant HR certifications are an added advantage.