Lead, Labor Relations and Compliance (Germany)

Elastic, the Search AI Company, enables everyone to find the answers they need in real time, using all their data, at scale — unleashing the potential of businesses and people. The Elastic Search AI Platform, used by more than 50% of the Fortune 500, brings together the precision of search and the intelligence of AI to enable everyone to accelerate the results that matter. By taking advantage of all structured and unstructured data — securing and protecting private information more effectively — Elastic’s complete, cloud-based solutions for search, security, and observability help organizations deliver on the promise of AI.

What is The Role:

You will be a part of the Global HR Operations & Labor Relations team and will partner closely with the regional and functional HRBPs, Employee Success and Legal teams. You will be managing the German Works Council acting as the central point of contact for the business!

What You Will Be Doing:

• Lead the employee representative processes and strategy for Germany: responsible party to manage Works Council for Elastic, schedule and attend meetings, manage topics, co-ordinate internal stakeholders and input relating to Works Council topics, draft works agreements, present annual reports and information
• Educate internal partners on Works Council requirements/best practice
• Find opportunities in the HR compliance landscape: create a calendar of meeting regular compliance deadlines/requirements as well as monitor any upcoming changes
• Manage absence accordingly, ensuring systems are updated, policies are followed and processes are completed on time
• Ensure timely compliance filings with external bodies as required
• Review our HR policies, employment contracts and other employment documentation in partnership with the Benefits, Legal and Compliance teams
• Assess HR processes and policies against compliance requirements and best market practices. Provide process improvement and policy gaps recommendations
• Partner with internal team on applicable gender pay gap reporting as needed
• Participate in ad hoc projects as required

What You Bring:

• The role is based in Germany. Travel within Germany will be required approx once per month.
• Prior experience of being in a similar role in Germany is crucial
• 8+ years of experience handling Works Council and Trade Unions in Germany and employment related compliance/reporting obligations in Germany
• Considerable experience in employment law in Germany or employment law qualification
• Experience handling statutory legal HR documentation in Germany
• Prior experience working for a Global Company
• Knowledge of HR systems (e.g. Workday, ServiceNow)
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills (both English & German languages are essential)
• Ability to build effective work relationships at all levels of the organization, and with employee representatives
• High degree of integrity and honesty; ability to exercise confidentiality
• A sense of humour and ability to roll with the punches definitely a plus
• Find happiness in doing an excellent job and thrive as part of a team
• Have real ambition to improve the employee experience at Elastic in your region
• A steadfast problem-solver: you always focus on the positives and how to address challenges, rather than simply identifying them
• Are a skilled communicator with excellent self-awareness and clearly communicate across languages and cultures

Additional Information - We Take Care of Our People:

As a distributed company, diversity drives our identity. Whether you’re looking to launch a new career or grow an existing one, Elastic is the type of company where you can balance great work with great life. Your age is only a number. It doesn’t matter if you’re just out of college or your children are; we need you for what you can do.

We strive to have parity of benefits across regions, and while regulations differ from place to place, we believe taking care of our people is the right thing to do.

• Competitive pay based on the work you do here and not your previous salary
• Health coverage for you and your family in many locations
• Ability to craft your calendar with flexible locations and schedules for many roles
• Generous number of vacation days each year
• Increase your impact - We match up to $2000 (or local currency equivalent) for financial donations and service
• Up to 40 hours each year to use toward volunteer projects you love
• Embracing parenthood with a minimum of 16 weeks of parental leave

Different people approach problems differently. We need that. Elastic is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation.

We welcome individuals with disabilities and strive to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all individuals. To request an accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please email candidate_accessibility@elastic.co We will reply to your request within 24 business hours of submission.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws; view posters linked below: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Poster; Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision Poster; Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) Poster and Know Your Rights (Poster)

Elasticsearch develops and distributes technology and information that is subject to U.S. and other country export controls and licensing requirements for individuals who are located in or are nationals of the following sanctioned countries and regions: Belarus, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, the Crimea Region of Ukraine, the Donetsk People’s Republic (“DNR”), and the Luhansk People’s Republic (“LNR”). If you are located in or are a national of one of the listed countries or regions, an export license may be required as a condition of your employment in this role. Please note that national origin and/or nationality do not affect eligibility for employment with Elastic.

Please see here for our Privacy Statement.