Associate Director

The Associate Director Employee Relations (ER) for India is an integral part of the HR function, responsible for implementing and continuously improving employee relations strategies, policies, and frameworks that align with dentsus business objectives and Indian labour laws.

This role independently manages complex ER cases and projects including investigations, grievance resolution and organisational change while collaborating with senior leaders, Legal and Compliance to foster a positive and compliant workplace culture.

The position requires strong expertise in Indian employment law, stakeholder management and the ability to drive continuous improvement in ER practices, processes and outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

ER programme framework and policy management:

• Execute and embed established Employee Relations programme frameworks, policies, and procedures to ensure fair, consistent and compliant application across the India market.
• Partner with HR leadership and business stakeholders to implement ER frameworks and coach HR team on best practices, ensuring alignment with company values and compliance requirements.
• Localise global and regional ER strategies to fit India's cultural, legal and business context while maintaining alignment with corporate standards.
• Ensure all ER activities and policies comply with Indian labour laws, regulations, and company values.
• Continuously review and adapt ER policies and plans to respond to evolving business priorities and regulatory changes in India
• Support the Regional Head of ER in defining and executing ER strategy for APAC.

Case Investigations & Management:

• Independently oversee investigations, grievances and disciplinary actions with all level of complexity and risks, ensuring timely and fair resolution.
• Partner with the HR advisory function to upskill and coach, building capability in ER best practices and case handling.
• Mediate and facilitate resolutions for complex employee disputes and conflicts, applying advanced negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Exercise sound judgment in decision-making, escalating high-risk or sensitive matters appropriately and in alignment with company policies and legal requirements.
• Manage cases related to under-performance, involuntary exits and redundancies in compliance with local laws and global standards for senior roles in alignment with HRD, as required.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build strong, collaborative relationships with HR leadership, Ethics & Compliance and Legal team to ensure alignment and effective resolution of ER issues.
• Partner closely with HR to embed ER frameworks and coach HR teams on best practices.
• Influence and coach stakeholders to drive a positive ER culture and compliance with company values.
• Act as a key ER advisor in disciplinary committee and other internal governance forums, ensuring decisions align with company policies, local laws and global standards.
• Provide guidance on procedural fairness and compliance during committee deliberations.

Analysis & Reporting:

• Utilise the Case Management System to accurately track and maintain records of ER cases, investigations, and outcomes.
• Monitor and analyse ER metrics and trends within the system to identify patterns, emerging risks and areas for improvement.
• Generate status reports and dashboards HR partners, ensuring visibility into case progress and resolution timelines.
• Provide data-driven recommendations to enhance people policies, engagement initiatives and ER practices based on trend analysis and learnings from cases.

ER Training & Development:

• Design and deliver training programs on ER topics such as anti-harassment (POSH), conflict resolution, and effective communication.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in HR, Labour Relations or related field (preferred)
• 10+ years of Employment Relations experience and HR Compliance at multi-national firms. Experience only in the manufacturing industry would not be sufficient.
• Expert knowledge of Indian labour laws and regulatory compliance including POSH, maternity benefits, standing orders, and employment legislation.

Skills and Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of Employee Relations principles, practices and case management.
• Working knowledge of corporate HR policies and applicable laws/regulations (e.g., fair employment, workplace accommodations).
• Strong listening, negotiation, and analytical skills for effective employee coaching and conflict resolution.
• Ability to establish and maintain trust with stakeholders at all levels
• Understanding of business processes to identify ER and HR needs proactively.
• Ability to establish and maintain trust with stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills to resolve complex ER issues.

KPIS

• Timely resolution of ER cases and investigations.
• Compliance with Indian labour laws and internal policies.
• Stakeholder satisfaction and engagement.
• Successful delivery of ER projects and initiatives.
• Proven ability to manage complex ER cases and influence senior stakeholders.