Title: Associate Director - Employee Relations & HR Compliance APAC
Location: Pune Preferred, other location – Chennai
Overview:
The role holder will be responsible and accountable for overseeing all aspects of employee relations, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.
To be successful, the Associate Director role requires a strategic thinker with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, readily adapts to change, demonstrates active and focused listening skills, creates an inclusive work environment, able to work across multiple departments and stakeholders and, capable of effectively managing complex ER issues while maintaining a strong focus on legal compliance and ethical standards.
Key Responsibilities:
The Associate Director, Employee Relations & HR Compliance for APAC, will provide coaching, consulting, expertise and thought leadership to People Leaders, HR and employees on Employee Relations matter and HR compliance & Audit related matters.
The role holder will provide work direction or guidance regarding employment law or company policy to members of the human resources staff / Business teams as appropriate to reduce risk and keep the organization safe.
Manage team who are responsible and accountable to / for
investigate and resolve employee complaints and grievances in a fair and timely manner. Drafting and implementing employee relations policy HR compliance and Audits
Employee Relations Management:
- In cooperation and alignment with the ER COE, develop and implement regional employee relations strategies, policies, and procedures to foster a positive and productive work environment.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to management and HR teams on a wide range of employee relations issues, including performance management, disciplinary actions, grievances, and conflict resolution.
- Ensure thorough investigation into employee complaints or concerns, ensuring fairness, confidentiality, and compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
- Provide coaching and guidance to managers on effective communication, conflict resolution, and best practices for managing employee relations issues.
- Handle complex and emotionally charged issues with composure, addressing situations objectively and without bias.
- Mediate issues between employees to minimize workplace conflict.
- interpret data and make recommendations for positive change in the work environment.
Compliance Oversight:
- Stay updated and relevant with the changing employment laws, regulations, and best practices, and ensure that company policies and practices remain compliant.
- Develop and deliver training programs to educate employees and managers on compliance-related topics, including equal employment opportunity, harassment prevention, and workplace safety.
- Collaborate with legal counsel and other stakeholders to assess and mitigate legal risks related to employee relations matters.
- Conduct periodic audits and assessments to monitor compliance with internal policies and external regulations, recommending corrective actions as needed.
Policy Development and Implementation:
- Lead the development, review, and revision of HR policies and procedures to ensure alignment with best practices and legal requirements.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams to communicate policy changes effectively and ensure understanding and compliance among all employees.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies and initiatives, recommending improvements or adjustments as necessary.
Relationship Building and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Working in a shared services environment, ultivating strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including senior leadership, department heads, and HR business partners, to understand their needs and priorities related to employee relations and compliance.
- Serve as a liaison between the HR department and other functional areas, providing expertise and support as needed to address complex ER and compliance issues.
- Represent the company in interactions with external stakeholders, such as government agencies, industry associations, and legal counsel, on matters related to employee relations and compliance.
Qualifications & Experience:
- At least fifteen (15) years of direct employee relations, compliance, and statutory audit experience, including providing guidance to management and researching, investigating and responding to employee issues and concerns.
- Knowledge of HR Compliance, Employment & Labor laws standards in the region
- Apply in-depth knowledge of local, regional, and country regulations regarding employment practices related to the day-to-day management of employees to reduce legal risks and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Strong communication skills, both verbally (on phone, one-on-one, to groups) and in writing (emails, letters, reports, presentations) to various audiences (work group, team, company management, external clients, etc.).
- Demonstrate a professional level of confidentiality handing sensitive applicant, employee and company information.
- Work independently and efficiently with minimal supervision (self-motivated, take initiative, and drive results).
- Certification in HR compliance (e.g., SHRM-SCP, HRCI-SPHR) preferred but not required.
