JOB PURPOSE
This role leads the industrial relations on behalf of Unilever. It exists to provide hands-on labour law and industrial relations advice to Business Leaders, HR Business Partners and HR Partners for our Headquarters in Hamburg as well as our production sites in Auerbach, Buxtehude, Heilbronn and Mannheim.
Beyond this, the role supports the entire national business in the context of organisational development guidelines and independently advises leaders and employees on labour law and other people-related matters at team and organisational level. This is done in close collaboration with line managers, local and Group Works Councils, external service providers and all relevant internal stakeholders and teams. Furthermore, the job scope comprises leading and fully owning negotiations with the Works Councils or other projects not just in regards to legal questions.
You’ll be part of a small team that believes in doing work that matters — for people and the planet.
Because here, we don’t just hire for jobs. We invite you to be part of something bigger.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Act as the first point of contact for labour law, industrial relations as well as HR related decisions of our management
2. Act as the first point of contact for our (Group) Works Council bodies
3. Support HR Business Partners and People Partners in individual and collective labour and social security law matters
4. Lead projects as well as works council negotiations
5. Or provide labour law advice to project teams and independently lead projects, in the context of outsourcing initiatives, M&A activities, organisational changes and restructuring, including the legally sound design and implementation of personnel-related solutions of fundamental importance to the business ( negotiation and conclusion of reconciliation of interests and social plans)
6. Independently advise and support the national business in organisational development topics related to strategic labour law matters
7. Advise and coach leaders independently on labour law and other people-related topics at team and organisational level
8. Build and maintain a trusting and collaborative relationship with local employee representatives and the Group Works Council as well as body of severely disabled employees
9. Support business areas through workshops, facilitation and moderation
10. Provide legal advice and, where applicable, represent the company in labour and social courts (including drafting pleadings, participation in conciliation and chamber hearings, and providing recommendations for settlement agreements) in cases of fundamental importance
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
11. Successfully completed First and Second State Examinations in Law, with a proven focus on labour and social security law
12. Multiple years of experience in a law firm focused on labour law advice
13. Ideally qualification requirements for holding the title Specialist Lawyer for Labour Law and Specialist Lawyer for Social Security Law
14. Project experience and a strong interest in organisational development and change management
15. Ideally experience in working with and negotiating with Trade Unions and Works Councils
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
16. Strong analytical skills, strategic thinking and excellent communication abilities
17. Ability to develop practical, business-oriented solutions on a solid legal foundation
18. Courage to challenge the status quo and explore new approaches
19. Personal interest in coaching and mediation
20. Experience in designing, facilitating and moderating workshops (desirable)
21. Self-perception as a manager rather than a lawyer
WHAT WE OFFER YOU:
22. 38-hour work week with flexible hours and the option for remote work
23. 30 days of vacation plus December 24th and 31st off
24. Meal allowance: €65 per month
25. Company pension & shares
26. In-house café: snacks, lunch, and coffee specialties at discounted prices
27. Discounts via Corporate Benefits
28. Deutschland Ticket: €50 monthly subsidy or a discounted company bike
29. Free training opportunities and access to our own learning platform
30. E-GYM/Wellpass for €20 per month & free corporate health management & a 24/7 counseling service
31. And the best for last – unlimited ice cream!
At Unilever, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive/succeed. All applicants will receive fair and respectful consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of every employee.
ARE YOU INTERESTED?
Please apply via this portal as e-mail applications will not be processed.
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment journey. Should you require additional information or reasonable adjustments to allow you to present your best self during this process, please contact your Talent Partner.