Employee Relations Manager
Wallenius Wilhelmsen · Santiago de Querétaro
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Employee Relations Manager to lead employee and labor relations initiatives across Mexico. This role plays a critical part in fostering a positive, fair, and transparent work environment while ensuring compliance with local labor legislation and alignment with the company’s values and people strategies.
The Employee Relations Manager will serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and employees, handling complex employee relations matters, supporting labor relations activities, and driving best practices that promote a culture of respect, engagement, and accountability.
Key Responsibilities
- Investigate and resolve complex and sensitive employee relations cases in a timely and effective manner.
- Manage employee complaints, grievances, disciplinary matters, and workplace conflict resolution processes.
- Ensure consistency and fairness in the application of company policies, practices, and employment decisions.
- Partner closely with the VP Human Resources for Mexico and Panama and the HR team to develop and implement employee relations programs and best practices.
- Analyze employee feedback and workplace trends to identify risks, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
- Provide guidance to managers and employees regarding labor laws, company policies, and employee relations matters.
- Design and deliver training programs related to employee relations, conflict management, performance management, and workplace conduct.
- Represent the organization in labor negotiations, meetings, and grievance management processes involving employee and labor groups.
- Collaborate with HR leadership and Legal teams in the preparation and execution of labor negotiations and related proceedings.
- Support the development and implementation of strategies that strengthen employee engagement and maintain positive labor relations.
- Recommend practical and balanced solutions for workplace issues while minimizing organizational risk.
- Participate in strategic HR initiatives and other related responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, Labor Law, or a related field.
- Minimum of seven years of progressive experience in Human Resources, Employee Relations, or Labor Relations.
- Experience working in manufacturing, production, industrial, or operational environments.
- Strong knowledge of Mexican labor laws and employment regulations.
- Proven experience conducting workplace investigations and managing employee relations cases through resolution.
- Experience working with unions and participating in collective bargaining processes.
- Practical experience in performance management, compensation, and benefits administration.
- Fluency in English, both written and verbal.
- Strong understanding of HR policies, procedures, and employment legislation.
- Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
- Ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and professionalism.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to build credibility and effective working relationships across all levels of the organization.
Key Competencies
- Employee and Labor Relations
- Collective Bargaining and Union Relations
- Conflict Resolution and Mediation
- Communication and Influencing Skills
- Investigation and Case Management
- Strategic Thinking
- Negotiation and Relationship Building
- Labor Law Compliance
- Integrity and Confidentiality
- Collaboration and Stakeholder Management
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for a relationship-oriented professional who combines strong labor relations expertise with sound judgment, business acumen, and the ability to influence across the organization. The successful candidate will be passionate about creating a positive employee experience, resolving complex workplace issues, and partnering with leaders to build an engaged, productive, and inclusive workforce.
Who We Are
At Wallenius Wilhelmsen, you'll join a global leader in shipping and logistics with more than 9,000 colleagues across 28 countries. Together, we help move vehicles, equipment, and goods around the world through innovative and sustainable solutions. Our ambition is to lead the way in transforming shipping and logistics.
Our success is built on our people. Rooted in a strong safety culture and guided by our values – We Care, We Challenge, We Commit – we create an environment where people can grow, contribute, and perform at their best. As a global company listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, we offer international opportunities within a collaborative and values-driven culture.
Our Commitment to Equal Opportunities and an Inclusive Workplace
At Wallenius Wilhelmsen, our people are fundamental to our success. We believe in the power of bringing people together and value the unique experiences, skills, and perspectives every individual brings. These differences strengthen our ability to support our customers, drive innovation, and succeed as a global organisation. By fostering an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute, we create better outcomes for our people, our customers, and our business.