Head of People & Labour Relations UK & Canada

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Job Description

The Head of People & Labour Relations UK & Canada is an exciting role working within the People & Labour Relations Function. This function is enterprise focused, dedicated to supporting our Employee Relations and Labour Relations agenda across multiple geographies. In addition, it will have specific focus on all business units within the UK and Canada across the key organization’s capabilities of business transformation, Labour Relations, Employee Relations, HR Governance & HR Policy, and Policy Framework.

The role will be a critical member of the People & Labour Relations community and will help shape the Employee Relations (ER) and Labour Relations (LR) agenda. The role will comprise of the following core areas of responsibilities:

ER/LR - the Head of People & Labour Relations UK, Canada & Projects will take the lead on the provision of Labour Relations and Employee Relations advice and guidance within the two geographies, specifically in relation to escalated cases where the risks are potentially significant.  The role will be responsible for providing consultative support and management of complex employee & labour relations cases to employees and managers, in partnership with key stakeholders, and will be key to creating a consistent employee experience across the different BUs in both UK & Canada.

Manage Strategic Projects related to the People & Labour Relations Strategy - This position is responsible for the management and delivery of Employee Relations and Labour Relations projects across all business units, functions, and employees within the UK & Canada and will also be agile in supporting projects across multiple geographies. This role will also be instrumental in supporting, enabling, and delivering deployment of global systems and operational changes aligned with the Data and Digital strategic imperative at Takeda.  Working on global to local initiatives the person in this role will ensure timely project management whilst advising as a subject matter expert in this field to ensure that the change is delivered smoothly and communicated effectively in line with Takeda values and leadership behaviours.

Policy Development to enable Employee Experience - Create Consistent HR Policy Framework and Country HR Policy Suite for the UK and Canada.   Aligned with global / regional HR guidance, take a lead in developing and defining policies that position Takeda competitively in the country.  Support policy implementation and socialize policies at the appropriate level ensuring the correct governance and procedures are in place in line with Global processes and frameworks. 

Country Governance - Create & lead in Country HR governance Process for the UK and Canada.  Create a platform to align HR issues that affect HR Strategy in country or multiple LR/ER impacts across different business units. Facilitate through the appropriate cadence and operating rhythm alignment and decision-making for in-country HR and consultation with Business Leaders on Country Wide HR Topics

Organisational Capability – Enhance the organisational capability within the UK and Canada through partnership with HR and Business Units

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Employee Relations

• In line with global processes and frameworks, roll out and implement agreed Employee-Related Investigations Policies & Process.
• Provide counsel to HRBL and HRP on complex employee relations issues, proposing fair, consistent, and timely resolution while ensuring legal compliance and evaluating risk mitigation to the Company
• Lead creation and delivery of local processes, tools and training related to employee relations including on matters of labour negotiation (written answers prior to negotiation, info on wage negotiation) and coaching management and HR partners
• Investigate complex (escalated) cases, particularly involving senior managers or where the risks are potentially significant, acting as the central point of contact for Ethics & Compliance and Legal on those matters.
• Create a collaborative dispute resolution environment by managing workplace mediation process and facilitate advanced problem solving where possible to resolve disputes
• Roll out specific frameworks and lead ER case management such as Performance improvement counseling, Employee investigations, Involuntary termination documentation, Disciplinary and RIF documentation across the region as needed and in line with global initiatives
• Strengthen Takeda’s people strategy to mitigate investigations and case management by driving and harmonizing people initiatives and annual processes and establish a broad and understandable compass for employees.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of Global ER & LR trends and regulations, country labour law and tribunal cases
• Ensure that the ER dashboard is up to date with relevant action plans
• Work with the owner of other HR communication (E.G. Reward COEI) on their communication content, planning and approaches and collaborate with a range of stakeholders to ensure that HR-related messages impacting all BU and Functions in region are appropriately cascaded

Labour Relations

• Communicate the Global Labour Relations Strategy regionally and locally, as required, in accordance with the Labour Relations Framework sharing relevant information with the Strategy Enablement Group.
• Roll out of Local Education Materials for HR and Business Leaders on Labour Relations
• Work closely with the Labour Relations Strategy & EWC Lead to ensure positive labour relations is maintained across the region. Where required attend and influence the make-up of External Enterprise Agreements and ensure HRPs are aware of consultation requirements and act accordingly
• Working closely with the Multi Country PAG team to ensure positive labour relations is maintained across the designated geography, the PAG will ensure that local policies and procedures that cover ER matters are in place, sufficient, communicated and act accordingly.

Project Management & Governance

• Provide end to end project management on regional and global initiatives (such as HR policy introduction and roll out) as required and alongside the Project Lead.
• Support the deployment of global systems across the region by providing technical advice and guidance to project leads in the design phase of projects from an ER/LR perspective
• Provide end to end technical advice, expertise and support in HR change proposals and initiatives ensuring that correct governance is in place and implemented effectively, providing progress reports as required
• Innovate, socialise, and deliver simplified, innovative solutions with stakeholders that enhance the employee experience across the region, as required 
• Aligned with global / regional HR guidance, take a lead in developing and define policies that position Takeda competitively on matters such as maternity, family care, leave, Rehire eligibility, Programs/counseling due to life event changes, work schedule, over time, Local employment policies, reports & action plan (e.g., disability, affirmative action), Workplace health & safety policy, local severance plan development.
• Where required support Labour relations projects, initiatives and activities including the management of acquisition integration/ divestment communication/consultation etc.
• Create in line with Global Guidance the appropriate regional and country governance for HR.

Critical Skills and Competencies

• A competent specialist in Labour or Employee Relations
• Ability to manage the complexity of implementing business change 
• Demonstrates an ability to deal with ambiguity, balance and mitigate risks and provide credible advice
• Strong collaboration skills with all relevant stakeholders in HR and the business
• Experience in working in a unionized environment and/or with Works Councils an advantage
• Proven track record in implementing initiatives to drive exceptional employee experience
• Ability to influence cross multiple stakeholder groups and coach leaders
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner

Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent ideally with background in labour or employment law
• At least 5 years’ experience in Labour and/or Employee Relations with evidence of LR/ER thought-leadership
• Significant experience in complex and multi-country HR organization with proven understanding of local and regional diversity of thought and application
• Accountability in previous roles for multiple geographies is necessary
• Sound understanding of employment regulations and labour law across multiple geographies
• Human Resources experience in the health care or pharmaceutical industry preferred.
• Proficient in multiple languages
• Strong partnership and collaboration focus to create sustainable processes and increase efficiency
• HR Project management experience is desirable but not essential

At Takeda, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered. We believe that our differences drive innovation and excellence, and we strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

Locations

GBR - PaddingtonCAN - Toronto Head Office

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time