Director, Employee Relations

Job Description

This role has become available in Zendesk at a really exciting time for the Employee Relations team. We’re currently embarking on a strategic initiative to shift the Employee Relations team from a reactive escalation point to being a proactive center of excellence. This is a truly global role and will be involved with issues and initiatives across Zendesk’s global footprint. It is a full time position reporting into the Senior Director, People Partnering and Employee Relations.

If you’ve a genuine interest in all things ER with a passion for jumping headfirst into the team during this exciting time then keep on reading……

• Establish and maintain an in depth knowledge of labor laws and employee relations practices across Zendesk’s global locations to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Provide advice and counsel across the business on topics ranging from internal investigations, performance management, harassment, discrimination, reductions in workforce and unfair dismissal.
• Lead and/or guide complex investigations at and above a certain organizational level.
• Tailor and deliver recommendations in a way to influence the right outcomes whilst mitigating the risk for Zendesk.
• Lead the resolution of complex employee relations issues, including investigations of misconduct, harassment, discrimination etc.
• Partner with employment legal team to mitigate risks and manage employment related strategies
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the Employee Relations team, implementing best practices and innovative solutions to enhance service delivery; just because it's the way we do it now, doesn’t mean it’s the best way.
• Develop strong working relationships across the P&P organization, particularly with the People Partner team, to ensure that ER’s efforts are aligned with our P&P and Business strategies and goals
• Monitor and analyze trends in employee relations issues using data to inform decision making and policy development

• Extensive experience in Employee Relations and labor law with a proven track record of successfully leading global employee relations initiatives
• Broad knowledge of international labor practices and experience navigating complex employee relations issues in a multicultural and multinational business environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and influence at all levels of the organization
• Exceptional ability to exercise considerable judgment, conflict resolution and discretion in in sensitive, complex or ambiguous situations
• Ability to prioritize and work proactively in a fast paced environment with time sensitive deadlines
• Independent work style, balancing …