At METLEN Energy & Metals, we are catalysts for a sustainable future, positioned at the forefront of the energy transition while being a reference point for competitive green metallurgy at both the European and global levels. We are a global industrial and energy company operating across two highly interconnected and complementary sectors: Energy and Metals. With a consolidated turnover of €5,683 million and an EBITDA of €1,080 million, along with a workforce of over 7,627 dedicated individuals, we drive success through cutting-edge technology and diverse talent.
We are committed to embracing new state-of-the-art technologies and advancements, propelling us towards a cleaner, brighter tomorrow. Our positive footprint extends across five continents, creating a lasting impact. At METLEN, we foster a culture of resilience, challenge, respect, excellence, and change, empowering our diverse workforce to achieve remarkable outcomes.
We are currently looking for an Employee Relations Principal to join our People Services team.
In this role you will shape and implement strategies that promote a fair, compliant, and collaborative workplace across both unionized and non-unionized employee populations. You will serve as the key contact for labor unions, works councils, and internal stakeholders on complex employee relations matters. By navigating negotiations, resolving disputes, and driving consistency in ER practices, you will help maintain a trusted, legally compliant, and stable working environment aligned with business goals.
Your role will encompass:
- Designing and executing labor relations strategies that support constructive engagement with unions and works councils, ensuring alignment with local legislation and company values
- Leading yearly union negotiations on matters such as salary increases and working conditions, acting as the central coordinator and company representative in all discussions
- Setting and managing the annual labor relations agenda, coordinating key meetings, and maintaining ongoing dialogue with union representatives to foster mutual trust
- Collaborating closely with legal counsel and authorities to manage high-risk cases and ensure legal compliance across all labor relations and employee conduct matters
- Managing complex and sensitive employee relations cases escalated from HRBPs or the Front Office, conducting thorough investigations and ensuring fair and timely resolutions
- Overseeing and administering disciplinary procedures, ensuring they are applied consistently and fairly in line with internal policy and legal requirements
- Drafting and maintaining internal labor codes and employee-facing communications related to ER policies, while supporting education and training on employee conduct and ethics
- Train and advise Managers and HRBPs on ER related issues to ensure compliance with the employment law
What you bring to the role:
- Deep expertise in labor law, union dynamics, and employment legislation, with a solid track record in ensuring compliance and managing risk
- Proven ability to lead workplace investigations, handle grievances, and resolve disputes with professionalism, objectivity, and discretion
- Strong negotiation skills, with experience in leading dialogue with unions and works councils to reach balanced, sustainable agreements
- Ability to translate policy into practice, advising managers and employees with clear, actionable guidance and supporting continuous policy evolution
- Excellent case management and documentation skills, ideally using systems such as Ethicontrol or other incident tracking platforms
- Outstanding communication, empathy, and conflict resolution abilities, with a balanced and diplomatic approach that builds trust at all levels of the organization
Share the same Value Based Behaviors:
- People & Personal growth
- Results orientation & Safety excellence
- Collaboration & Trust
- Empathy & Effective communication
- Flexibility & Adaptability
Your Benefits:
- Competitive remuneration package
- Ticket Restaurant Card
- Group Health Insurance Plan
- Preferential household electricity plan
- Pension Plan
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At Metlen Energy & Metals we are proud to have Diversity and Inclusion at the centre of everything we do. We are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity regardless of race, colour, national origin, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion.