Director, People Relations, EMEA

Your work days are brighter here.

We’re obsessed with making hard work pay off, for our people, our customers, and the world around us. As a Fortune 500 company and a leading AI platform for managing people, money, and agents, we’re shaping the future of work so teams can reach their potential and focus on what matters most. The minute you join, you’ll feel it. Not just in the products we build, but in how we show up for each other. Our culture is rooted in integrity, empathy, and shared enthusiasm. We’re in this together, tackling big challenges with bold ideas and genuine care. We look for curious minds and courageous collaborators who bring sun-drenched optimism and drive. Whether you're building smarter solutions, supporting customers, or creating a space where everyone belongs, you’ll do meaningful work with Workmates who’ve got your back. In return, we’ll give you the trust to take risks, the tools to grow, the skills to develop and the support of a company invested in you for the long haul. So, if you want to inspire a brighter work day for everyone, including yourself, you’ve found a match in Workday, and we hope to be a match for you too.

About the Team

Workday is looking for a Director of Employee & Labour Relations, EMEA, based in London or Dublin, to lead a team of Employee Relations Partners and People Consultants across the region. This role reports to our Senior Director, Global Employee Relations and sits within our People Consulting, Employee Relations and HR Compliance function. This is an incredible opportunity for an experienced leader with a passion for employee experience and workplace culture to lead a high‑performing team through our next wave of growth, with a particular focus on complex employee relations across key EMEA markets (including Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, France and the Netherlands).

About the Role

Coach, mentor and develop a high‑performing team using deep subject matter expertise in employee relations, performance management, conflict resolution, labour relations and HR policy/compliance, with a strong focus on complex, multi‑country ER matters across EMEA

Build and implement an EMEA Employee and Labour Relations strategy that aligns with the company’s goals and values, partnering closely with key cross‑functional stakeholders such as People Business Partners, Employment Legal, Site Experience, Employee Communications, Workplace and HR Compliance

Proactively identify employee relations issues and trends across EMEA (including Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, France and the Netherlands) and develop strategies to prevent or mitigate them

Analyse case trends, generate data insights and develop solutions to address hot spots, including training managers on employee relations matters and designing targeted intervention strategies/programs

Support existing and emerging Works Council management needs and create and maintain positive relationships with Works Council representatives and other employee representative bodies across the region

Manage employee relations issues, cases and investigations in EMEA, ensuring they are resolved promptly, fairly and in line with company policies and applicable local laws in multiple jurisdictions

Stay current on industry trends, best practices and changes in employment laws to ensure the company remains compliant and maintains a competitive employee and labour relations strategy

Ensure effective ER processes, governance and policies are in place and consistently applied across EMEA

Partner with an international team of experts to drive a global community of employee relations and people consulting practices

Complete ad‑hoc projects, reporting and tasks as required with cross‑functional HR and COE teams

Create a fun, diverse and inclusive environment where employees feel heard, respected and supported

About You

Business Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Human Resources or Employee/Labour Relations; preferably also CIPD qualified

Solid knowledge of European labour laws, employment regulations and standard practices in employee and labour relations

Extensive experience managing and overseeing employee relations and Works Council relationships across Europe, specifically in countries such as France, Germany and the Netherlands, and ideally additional experience in markets such as Poland, Czech Republic, Italy and Spain

Proven track record leading complex, sensitive employee relations matters (e.g. investigations, performance management, restructures, grievances) across multiple EMEA jurisdictions

Experience of managing interactions with other social partners such as national‑level Trade Unions or government labour/employment bodies (e.g. ACAS, WRC etc.)

Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information discreetly and professionally

Experience in conducting investigations and resolving complex issues in a global, matrixed organization

Strong negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build solid relationships with cross‑functional partners and effectively interact with employees at all levels

Strong mediation and conflict resolution abilities

Ability to influence business partners at every level, including senior leaders, using data, insight and sound judgment

Cultural awareness and deep experience of navigating distinct labour landscapes and ER norms across the EMEA region

Other Qualifications

Multilingual preferred; fluent in English and ideally another European language

Strong presentation and training skills, with experience educating managers and leaders on employee relations topics

Experience with ER case management solutions and/or data analytics, using insights to inform strategy and interventions

Strong organisational and time management abilities with the capacity to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines

Outstanding problem‑solving and decision‑making skills, with a pragmatic and empathetic approach

At Workday, we believe every potential recruit brings value to the table. Believe you are missing some of the skills and are hesitant to apply? We do not believe in the ‘perfect’ candidate and are happy to teach. So however you identify and whatever background you bring with you, apply and see what we are all about.

Our Approach to Flexible Work

With Flex Work, we’re combining the best of both worlds: in-person time and remote. Our approach enables our teams to deepen connections, maintain a strong community, and do their best work. We know that flexibility can take shape in many ways, so rather than a number of required days in-office each week, we simply spend at least half (50%) of our time each quarter in the office or in the field with our customers, prospects, and partners (depending on role). This means you'll have the freedom to create a flexible schedule that caters to your business, team, and personal needs, while being intentional to make the most of time spent together. Those in our remote "home office" roles also have the opportunity to come together in our offices for important moments that matter.

At Workday, we are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive hiring experience where all candidates can fully demonstrate their skills. If you require assistance or an accommodation at any point, please email [email hidden — sign in].

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