Director, Employee & Labor Relations

Job Description:

About the role:

Dow Jones is looking for a Director of Employee & Labor Relations for EMEA. Reporting to the VP of Employee & Labor Relations (who is based in New York) you will be the primary “on-the-ground” partner for our employee and labor strategy across the region. You will act as a trusted proxy and advisor, navigating a complex landscape of social partnerships and evolving legislation. You will be the primary bridge between management and employees, ensuring that our growth in Europe is underpinned by compliant, fair, and productive employee and labor relations. This is a role for a high-judgment operator who can balance diplomatic negotiation with rigorous compliance and sound decision-making.

You Will:

• Directly manage high-stakes employee relations matters, including complex grievances, internal investigations, and disciplinary hearings.

• Provide expert coaching and guidance to the EMEA People Team and regional leadership on conflict resolution and risk mitigation.

• Assist with development and delivery of training programs, such as performance management, dispute resolution techniques, employee awareness, etc.

• Analyze employee relations data to identify trends and partner with stakeholders for addressing any identified macro needs within the organization.

• Serve as the primary Company contact for all EMEA works councils, unions and employee delegates, including in Germany, France, Spain, and the UK.

• Lead negotiations and consultations with employee representatives over collective bargaining agreements, shop agreements, policy rollouts, equality plans and other Company initiatives.

• Advise the Company on the terms and application of sectoral collective bargaining agreements in our EMEA locations.

• Proactively manage relationships with stakeholders to minimize conflict and facilitate business agility.

• Partner with the Global Compliance team to review new/upcoming legislation and advise on its impact on employee lifecycle, contracts and HRIS setup.

• Lead and support the organizational responses to various legislative and regulatory compliance changes.

• Serve as a key partner to the GM, EMEA and the EMEA/Barcelona People Teams.

• Act as a lead in EMEA for the Employee & Labor Relations team while maintaining a tight feedback loop with the VP, Employee & Labor Relations in New York.

You Have:

• 12+ years of relevant human resources experience (employee and labor relations, performance management, and compliance).

• Professional fluency in both English and Spanish.

• Knowledge of current Spain employment/labor laws (EU and other European countries a plus).

• Project and process management skills with a demonstrated track record of delivering results.

• Demonstrated ability to make independent, risk-based decisions in a fast-paced environment with a global reporting line.

• A “builder” mindset - comfortable navigating a complex employee ecosystem and leveraging internal teams/resources to find answers.

• Experience working with Collective Bargaining Agreements.

• Discretion and the ability to handle confidential information.

• Expertise working and collaborating with a global HR team.

Our Benefits

• Comprehensive Healthcare & Insurance Plans Plans

• Paid Time Off

• Retirement Plans

• Sodexo Meal Vouchers

• Lifestyle programs & Wellness Resources

• Education Benefits

• Family Care Benefits & Caregiving Support

• Fitness Reimbursement Program

• Subscription Discounts

• Employee Referral Program

#LI-Hybrid

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other protected characteristic. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including women, people with disabilities, and those from underrepresented groups.

Reasonable Accommodation

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Business Area:

Dow Jones - People

Job Category:

Human Resources

Union Status:

Non-Union role