## **The opportunity**
We are seeking an experienced Legal Counsel – Employment & Labor Law (f/m/x) to lead our Social Affairs function across Germany & CEE (Austria, Romania and Czech Republic). Based in Germany, in this strategic role, you will be the architect of our social dialogue for Germany, Austria, Romania and Czech Republic. You will not only provide expert legal advice but also lead direct relationships with Employee Representatives and Works Councils in all four countries. You are responsible for negotiating agreements, ensuring compliance, and fostering a constructive social climate to support the Group’s transformation and growth in the region.
## **Day-to-day responsibilities**
- *Regional Social Dialogue (DE, AT, RO, CZ)**
- Germany (Betriebsrat): Lead negotiations on complex shop agreements (Betriebsvereinbarungen) regarding IT systems, mobile work, and restructuring. Manage co-determinationrights (Mitbestimmung) effectively.
- Austria (Betriebsrat): Lead the relationship with the Austrian Works Council. Navigate the specificities of the Austrian "Social Partnership" and negotiate local shop agreements in compliance with the Arbeitsverfassungsgesetz (ArbVG).
- Romania (Reprezentanții salariaților) and Czech Republic (Odborová organizace): Lead the relationship with the Works Councils.
- Harmonization: Ensure a consistent social strategy across Germany & CEE cluster while respecting local legislative nuances.
- *Employment Law Advisory**
Legal Business Partner: Serve as the primary legal advisor to the HR Country
- Individual Labor Law: Manage complex individual cases across the region: drafting termination notices, negotiating mutual separation agreements (Aufhebungsverträge / Mutual Termination Agreements), and handling disciplinary measures.
- Contracts: Maintain and update standard employment contract templates for Germany, Austria, Romania and Czech Republic to ensure they remain compliant with the latest local case law.
- *Restructuring & Strategic Projects**
- Transformation Support: Legally structure and execute organizational changes across the region (e.g.,§613a BGB transfers in Germany, AVRAG transfers in Austria).
- Compliance: Roll out Group compliance policies (GDPR, Whistleblowing, Code of Conduct) ensuring they meet the strict data privacy standards of Germany and the specific requirements of the Austrian market.
- *Litigation Management**
- Dispute Resolution: Represent the company in labor court proceedings (Kündigungsschutzklagen) in Germany.
- External Supervision: Select and manage external legal counsel in Austria, Romania and Czech Republic for specific litigation or high-risk cases, ensuring cost control and alignment with Group strategy.
## **Who are we looking for**
- *Experience & Qualifications**
- 8 to 10+ years of experience in Labor Law/Social Affairs, preferably within an international matrix organization, an IT/Consulting firm, or a specialized law firm.
- Works Council Leadership: Mandatory experience leading negotiations with Works Councils.
- You must have deep expertise in the German Betriebsverfassungsgesetz.
- You must have experience or a strong capability to manage Austrian employee representation bodies.
- Regional Scope: Proven ability to manage legal topics across multiple jurisdictions (Germany, Austria, Romania and Czech Republic).
- *Competencies**
- Negotiation Skills: Ability to lead social dialogue in four different legal environments (example: co-determination of Germany).
- Pragmatism: Solution-oriented mindset; you enable business while managing risk.
- Languages: German (Native level) and English (Fluent) are required. French is a plus.
## **Perks & Benefits**
- Regional Responsibility: A key role covering four distinct countries with strategic importance.
- Autonomy: You will be the lead expert for the region Germany, Austria, Romania and Czech Republic, trusted to handle sensitive negotiations with the collaboration of the HR Country Manager.
- Transformation: The opportunity to accompany a high-growth group in structuring its social foundations in the German & CEE market.
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