PURPOSE AND SCOPE: Manages and executes Employee Relations matters, including investigating issues and providing day-to-day coaching and advice to field managers, regional leaders, and all other assigned employees in a large variety of employee issues, performance management, policy interpretation, and other Human Resource functions. Engage with Works Councils and Unions as required. Works in partnership and collaboration with Center of Excellence (CoE) and Shared Service functions, serving as an escalation point to effectively administer and support Human Resources and Employee Relations programs in accordance with company policies and procedures. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Provides expert, trusted and comprehensive advice across the full spectrum of the Human Resources function in a wide range of employee relations matters including performance management, workplace investigations, pay concerns, work environment concerns, employee policy and program questions, separation of employment reviews, and high-risk employee relations cases.Handles highly complex and confidential HR, Human Rights, Compliance, Ethics, and Legal investigations for all Company business lines. Engages in Works Council and union negotiations, contract management, and manages collective bargaining agreement requirements as needed (based on country and legal entity requirements). Provides counsel, advice, and recommendations in compliance with all regulatory requirements, company policies, and union contracts to ensure the uniform and equitable treatment of employees. Consults with the Legal, Compliance, Human Rights, and other departments as necessary.Provides guidance and direction regarding performance management plans and all aspects of progressive discipline and documentation.Identifies root cause issues in employee engagement and provides conflict resolution skills to both employees and managers. Follows service level agreements in timely response and follows up to issues including appropriate use of the case management system, effective and thorough documentation and reporting, and all associated processes. Escalates sensitive or critical issues appropriately. As requested, provides education, training, and coaching to managers on conflict management, crucial conversations, performance management, harassment, and other HR related topics. Provides emergency response and crisis management support to employees.Facilitates exit interviews with voluntarily terminating employees when specifically requested.Other duties as assigned. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires approximately 10% travel. SUPERVISION: This position has no direct reports. EDUCATION AND REQUIRED CREDENTIALS: Bachelor's Degree; Advanced Degree desirable or an equivalent combination of education and experience EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS: Has 5+ years of progressive experience directly in Employee Relations with a strong understanding of country/regional employment law, works council/union requirements, and Human Resources.Dependent upon country, has experience in managing works councils and union relations, agreements, and negotiations.Demonstrates good judgment and objectivity in decision making and in recommendations provided.Demonstrates the ability to work multiple cases of a diverse scope in a productive manner and can bring situations to an effective resolution thoroughly and timely. Must be able to manage multiple and conflicting priorities.Is resilient and can navigate challenging or difficult situations with the ability to hold crucial conversations. Collaborates at all levels through listening, sharing, and building upon ideas, challenging others' ideas respectfully, compromises and adapts in order to achieve common goals that are the best interests of the organization and the teams involved.Competence in software applications relating to human resources such as case management systems and Workday is preferred along with the suite of Microsoft Office products. Demonstrates excellent communication skills - both written and verbal including EnglishHas strong business acumen in addition to Human Resources skills. Has an unquestionable commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and privacy.Healthcare experience a plus.Career with a purposeWe offer an opportunity to create and deliver treatments that save and change lives for the better. We'll support your ongoing development. And you'll be part of a dedicated team of people who inspire each other to create the best possible healthcare outcomes each and every day. Inclusion and diversityJoining Fresenius Medical Care means becoming part of a team that values diversity. We embrace the wealth of different backgrounds, cultures, experiences and opinions that make up our workforce and strive to create an inclusive atmosphere in which all our employees feel valued. StabilityDeveloping innovative products and continuously improving our renal therapies made us the clear market leader in the production of hemodialysis machines, with sustainable, profitable growth. This position provides our 125000 employees with the stability and security they need to help improve the lives of our patients. Learning and developmentWe offer participation in programs at world-class business schools, leadership development, regular training for our nurses, health care professionals and manufacturing staff and digital access to high-quality educational content for all employees worldwide 24/7. Local benefitsOur employees enjoy both local and global opportunities for growth and personal fulfilment. We offer local benefits designed to suit the requirements of the respective country and place of work to create ideal conditions everywhere. Work-life balanceWe want to empower people to deliver better care. Therefore, we promote a better work-life balance through flexible working hours, part-time models, the possibility to work from home, and more.