Senior Director, Employee Relations

Job ID: 1844 

Alternate Locations:  

Newell Brands is a leading $8.3B consumer products company with a portfolio of iconic brands such as Graco®, Coleman®, Oster®, Rubbermaid® and Sharpie®, and 25,000 talented employees around the world. Our high-performance culture, unparalleled curiosity about the world around us, and talented people fuel our success. Our culture is enabled through our core values which guide all we do and how we win as One Newell. They are Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Winning, Ownership & Leadership.

Newell is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Senior Director to join our team in Atlanta. In this role, you will help to foster a supportive and inclusive work environment and lead the development of our global employee relations strategy. We are seeking a candidate who is highly motivated, collaborative and has a deep understanding of employment laws and best practices. You will be responsible for building and leading a team of Employee Relations professionals while establishing and executing on a strategy to create an employee relations environment that is consistent with Newell’s Values of Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Winning, Ownership and Leadership. If you are a strategic thinker with a strong global background in employee relations and a proven track record of achieving results, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement Newell’s employee relations strategy and create related policies that align with the company’s values and business objectives; align ER structure and service delivery model to strategy
• Provide expert guidance and leadership on complex employee relations issues, including performance management, disciplinary actions, grievances, and investigations
• Partner closely with senior management and business leaders to address employee relations challenges and promote a supportive workplace culture
• Work strategically with leaders in HR, legal and the business in manufacturing to lead the effective administration of labor relations globally, including policy and CBA interpretation and negotiation, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, participation in administrative actions and development of an overall labor relations strategy
• Lead and manage the resolution of workplace conflicts, employee grievances, and support organizational change initiatives
• Advise and coach managers on effective employee relations practices, conflict resolution, and compliance with company policies and legal requirements
• Articulate and communicate roles and responsibilities with all stakeholders involved in executing an effective employee relations operation
• Lead on the employee relations aspect of organizational change initiatives, including workforce reductions, reorganizations and acquisitions, consulting with employee representative bodies as required
• Collaborate with legal counsel and external advisors to manage risk and ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations
• Analyze employee relations trends and metrics to identify areas for improvement and develop proactive strategies to enhance employee satisfaction and retention
• Serve as a subject matter expert on employment laws and regulations to ensure compliance and mitigate any potential risks
• Lead and mentor a team of employee relations professionals, providing guidance, training, and development opportunities to promote professional growth and team effectiveness
• Partner closely with colleagues in HR, Legal, Corporate Communications, Global Security and the business to execute on key projects and provide training and awareness on employee relations topics for managers and employees

Key Qualifications:

• Highly analytical, business savvy, hands on, thoughtful decision maker
• Executive-level presence and communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership and accomplishments in the area of employee relations
• Ability to assess risks and opportunities within complex business situations 
• Demonstrated ability to recommend and make decisions quickly under any situation 
• Demonstrated record of solid career progression
• Action orientation, objective, and assertive style
• Professional maturity with a demonstrated track record of handling confidential and highly sensitive issues

Education and Experience:

• Undergraduate Degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred (MBA/JD/advanced degree in Human Resources)
• Minimum 15 years of progressive HR experience with significant experience in leading an employee relations capability in a multinational organization
• Experience building an employee relations organization from the early stages
• Experience working with employee relations and case management software
• Experience with building, developing, and managing a team
• Experience working in a global or multinational organization with diverse employee populations, and awareness of international complexities as it relates to employee relations impacts
• Experience partnering with and advising to all levels of leadership such as Newell’s CHRO and other C-suite leaders

Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Graco, Coleman, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Yankee Candle, Paper Mate, FoodSaver, Dymo, EXPO, Elmer’s, Oster, NUK, Spontex and Campingaz. We are focused on delighting consumers by lighting up everyday moments. Newell Brands and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and comply with applicable employment laws. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled are encouraged to apply.