European Works Council (EWC) Management and Labor & Employee Relations Leader

Whether it's the unique breadth of our integrated offering that covers Injectable Aesthetics, Dermatological Skincare and Therapeutic Dermatology products; or our commitment to recognizing and rewarding people for the contribution they make - working here isn't like anywhere else.

At Galderma, we actively give our teams reasons to believe in our ambition to become the leading dermatology company in the world. With us, you have the ultimate opportunity to gain new and challenging work experiences and create an unparalleled, direct impact.

European Works Council (EWC) and Labor & Employee Relations Leader

Location: Paris / Barcelona / Madrid / Dusseldorf / Stockholm / Milano / London / Warsaw / Breda / Vienna / Lisbon / Krakow

Role Purpose:

Lead and deliver the strategic and operational management of European Works Council (EWC) activities, overseeing Labor & Employee Relations across multiple jurisdictions. Ensure full compliance with EU Directive 2009/38/EC and all relevant local labour laws, while proactively fostering constructive relationships with employee representatives and works councils. Drive continuous improvement in employee relations and EWC effectiveness, contributing directly to organisational stability and positive workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities & Expected Outcomes:

EWC Governance & Compliance

• Serve as the primary liaison between company leadership and EWC representatives, ensuring open and effective channels of communication that facilitate mutual understanding and trust.
• Guarantee timely information and consultation on all transnational projects (e.g., restructuring, mergers, site closures, major investments), enabling early identification of employee concerns and smoother project implementation.
• Lead EWC Charter negotiations and updates, maintaining compliance with European and country requirements where applicable; drive harmonisation of EWC practices across the organisation.
• Organise and facilitate plenary meetings (minimum twice per year) and extraordinary sessions, resulting in well-informed, engaged employee representatives and improved decision-making outcomes.
• Oversee transparent election processes for EWC members, ensuring non-discrimination and proper release time for EWC activities; foster a diverse and representative council.
• Coordinate translation services, training, and reasonable cost coverage for EWC functioning, supporting accessibility and participation for all eligible employees.
• Outcomes: Enhanced EWC engagement, reduced risk of legal disputes, improved employee sentiment, and successful execution of transnational projects with minimal disruption.

Labor & Employee Relations

• Develop and implement hands-on robust strategies for collective bargaining, dispute resolution, and labour law compliance across EU jurisdictions, resulting in fair and sustainable agreements.
• Advise leadership on the implications of labour agreements and employee relations risks, enabling proactive management actions and informed business decisions.
• Pro-actively partner with HR, Legal, and Business Leaders to positively influence local and cross-border coordination and cultural expectations, ensuring alignment and consistency in employee relations.
• Govern negotiations strategies with unions and works councils, achieving mutually beneficial outcomes and strengthening the company’s reputation as an employer of choice.
• Outcomes: Fewer industrial disputes, higher employee retention rates, improved compliance metrics, and stronger trust between management and workforce.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Be a trusted advisor to senior leadership on labour relations and EWC matters, supporting strategic HR decisions and business continuity.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with employee representatives, unions, and external legal advisors, creating a robust support network for labour relations initiatives.
• Constructively educate and engage senior management in the EWC process, fostering understanding, buy-in, and proactive involvement to ensure effective collaboration and shared ownership of EWC outcomes.
• Outcomes: Increased stakeholder buy-in, faster consensus-building, and measurable improvements in employee engagement survey scores.

Risk Management

• Monitor legislative changes and assess their impact on company operations, providing timely updates and recommendations to senior management.
• Mitigate risks of non-compliance, including potential legal challenges and decision delays, through rigorous process management and continuous education.
• Outcomes: Reduced exposure to legal penalties, faster response to regulatory changes, and a demonstrable record of labour law compliance.

Qualifications & Experience

• Advanced degree in HR, Law, Labour & Industrial Relations, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in labour relations and employee engagement within multinational environments.
• Proven track record in managing European Works Council or similar transnational employee forums.
• Strong knowledge of EU labour directives and local employment laws.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in additional European languages preferred.

Competencies

• Strategic thinking with operational execution capability.
• Hands-on mindset and self-starter
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to navigate complex cross-border environments.
• High integrity and commitment to compliance and employee advocacy.
• Outcomes: Recognised as a key driver of organisational culture, compliance, and employee advocacy, with a demonstrable impact on company performance and reputation.