Head of Employer Relations DACH (w/m/x)

Role Purpose

Lead and deliver the strategic and operational management of DACH Works Council (WC) activities. Ensure full compliance with all relevant local labor laws, while proactively fostering constructive relationships with employee representatives and works councils. Drive continuous improvement in employee relations and WC effectiveness, contributing directly to organizational stability and positive workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison between company leadership and WC representatives, ensuring open and effective channels of communication that facilitate mutual understanding and trust.
• Guarantee timely information and consultation on all relevant DACH projects, enabling smoother project implementation.
• Lead complex WC negotiations, including structured preparation and follow‑up in close consultation with the relevant departments.
• Oversee training, and reasonable cost coverage for WC functioning.
• Develop and implement hands‑on robust strategies for WC agreements and dispute resolution.
• Advise leadership on the implications of WC agreements and employee relations risks, enabling proactive management actions and informed business decisions.
• Pro‑actively partner with global/European CoE, P&C, Legal, and Business Leaders to positively influence local and cross‑border coordination, ensuring alignment and consistency in employee relations.
• Govern negotiations strategies with WC, achieving mutually beneficial outcomes and strengthening the company’s reputation as an employer of choice.
• Be a trusted advisor to senior leadership on WC matters, supporting strategic P&C decisions and business continuity.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with employee representatives and external legal advisors, creating a robust support network for labor relations initiatives.
• Constructively educate and engage senior management in the WC process, fostering understanding, buy‑in, and proactive involvement to ensure effective collaboration and shared ownership of WC outcomes.
• Implement existing works agreements and optimise their sustainable, scalable and efficient implementation in day‑to‑day business operations.

Qualifications

Advanced degree in P&C, Law or related fields. Long‑standing years of experience in labor relations and employee engagement within multinational environments. Proven track record in managing Works Council or similar employee forums. Strong knowledge of local employment laws. Negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Fluent in German and English. Strategic thinking with operational execution capability. Hands‑on mindset and self‑starter. Cultural sensitivity and ability to navigate complex environments.

Workplace type

Equal Opportunity Employer: NTT DATA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer with a global culture that embraces diversity. We are committed to providing an environment free of unfair discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate based on age, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, disability, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected category.