Manager Employee Relations, Central Europe

The Opportunity

We are investing in a dedicated Manager Employee Relations (ER) for Central Europe, a newly defined scope covering Germany, Switzerland, and parts of Eastern Europe. You will lead a team of 3 ER Consultants in Munich, act as the senior ER expert for the region, and help build a proactive, best‑in‑class ER function. This role operates in a unique setup: Labor Relations and Works Council matters sit with a dedicated Labor Relations Manager. You will partner closely with that person, but your focus is purely ER, giving you the space to go deep, build structure, and make a real impact.

What You Will Do

• Lead, coach and develop a team of 3 ER Consultants, building their confidence, autonomy and ability to handle complex cases
• Own high‑complexity and high‑visibility ER cases directly, including all Employee Experience (EX)-level cases
• Build ER frameworks, playbooks and templates that create consistency and speed across Central Europe
• Shift the team from reactive case‑handling to proactive ER, spotting trends, flagging risks early, and getting ahead of issues
• Navigate performance management cases pragmatically within strict German legal boundaries, including close collaboration with the Works Council LR partner
• Act as a trusted advisor to business leaders, HRBPs and the wider matrix organization across the region
• Use data and insights to report on ER trends and organizational health to senior stakeholders
• Partner with the Labor Relations function on intersecting topics; you won’t own the Works Council, but you’ll work hand‑in‑hand with LR

What You Will Need

Must-Have

• Proven ER Manager or equivalent senior HR experience with complex case management
• People leadership experience with an inclusive, supportive management style
• Expertise in German employment law
• Experience in a US-headquartered or multinational company
• Comfortable in a split Labor Relations/Employee Relations setup where Works Council is owned by a separate LR Manager
• Fluent in German and English

Strongly Preferred

• ER experience across other Central European countries (Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland)
• Experience building ER practices or frameworks from scratch
• Tech or similarly fast‑paced, agile environment background

Location & Setup

• Munich-based
• Hybrid: 3 days/week in the office
• Reporting line: Director EMEA Employee and Labor Relations (UK based)
• Travel: minimal; 1–2 offsites per year and potentially some traveling in region

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Adobe is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on gender, race or color, ethnicity or national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Learn more.