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

Galderma is the emerging pure-play dermatology category leader present in approximately 90 countries. We deliver an innovative science-based portfolio of premium flagship brands and services that span the full spectrum of the fast-growing dermatology market through Injectable Aesthetics Dermatological Skincare and Therapeutic Dermatology. Since our foundation in 1981 we have dedicated our focus and passion to the human bodys largest organ - the skin - meeting individual consumer and patient needs with superior outcomes in partnership with healthcare professionals. Because we understand that the skin we are in shapes our lives we are advancing dermatology for every skin story.

Further supporting our growth and innovation momentum we are establishing a new Global Capability Center in Barcelona to deploy new capabilities to effectively support its global commercial and functional teams. Located in the upscale Eixample District in the heart of Barcelona Galdermas Global Capability Center offers numerous possibilities for professional development such as exposure to global and cross-functional projects and access to global career opportunities.

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 Leadersto 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 companys 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.