POSITION: Senior Associate, Employee Relations
LOCATION: We will only consider candidates legally authorized to work in the Netherlands.
WORKPLACE TYPE: Flexible hybrid working environment
CLOSING DATE: 14 August 2026
JOB LEVEL: 14
SALARY: €53,108 - €66,385
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Senior Associate, Employee Relations is part of the HR Shared Services (HRSS) function and is responsible for the execution and handling of employee relations processes and cases across multiple countries.
Within the HR operating model, you will ensure that employee relations matters are managed in a standardized, compliant, and employee-centered way. You will support Senior People Business Partners to focus on strategic advisory and complex organizational topics. Additionally, it allows Centers of Excellence to define employee relations policies and frameworks. Furthermore, it enables HR Shared Services to deliver efficient, high-quality case management and operational support.
The Senior Associate, Employee Relations reports to the HR Manager, Europe.
WHAT YOU WILL DO:
1. Employee Relations Case Management
- Manage end-to-end employee relations cases. These cases include:
- performance management and performance improvement plans,
- absenteism,
- illness and reintegration,
- conduct disciplinary actions and grievances,
- workplace conflicts and wellbeing-related cases
- Be a trusted advisor to people managers by coaching them through sensitive employee situations
- Stay informed on relevant employment law updates and ensure the application thereof
- Maintain accurate case documentation, records, and audit trails
- Ensure smooth collaboration and handoffs between internal departments and provide an employee-centered experience
- Escalate complex, high-risk, or sensitive cases to Senior People Business Partners or Legal following defined governance
2. Employee Relations Insights and Prevention
- Analyze employee relations trends and case patterns (e.g. absence, grievances, disciplinary matters, performance concerns, manager escalations) to identify organizational risks, recurring themes, and opportunities for preventive action
3. Employee Relations Process Execution & Standardization
- Improve adoption of new ways of working by guiding managers and employees toward standardized processes, accurate data management, and appropriate use of HR systems and workflows
4. Works Councils & Labor Relations
- Support the coordination and preparation of works council consultations
- Maintain operational relationships with employee representative bodies and Legal
5. Investigations and Code of Conduct
- Conduct or support internal investigations following the Code of Conduct and investigation protocols
6. Vendor Coordination
- Coordinate with external providers (e.g. occupational health, wellbeing, outplacement)
- Ensure smooth execution of services and support to employees and managers
WHAT YOU BRING:
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Human Resources, Business, Law, or a related field
- 5–8 years of experience in Employee Relations with hands-on case management across multiple countries
- Demonstrated experience in labor/industrial relations, including working with works councils or employee representatives
- Knowledge of employment law and ER best practices across different jurisdictions
- Manage sensitive situations with objectivity
- Work in a structured, process-driven, and fast-evolving environment
BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE RAINFOREST ALLIANCE:
- Be a part of a global organization with an impactful mission and a collaborative, respectful, and accountable culture.
- Enjoy opportunities for professional growth and career development.
- Benefit from remote working flexibility and flexible hybrid working environment.
- A favourable time‑off policy.
- Prioritize your wellbeing. We have numerous ways to promote work-life balance.
Apply now and let's grow together. We look forward to hearing from you and exploring how your skills can help us advance our mission.
If you have any questions about the job vacancy, please contact the HR department: [email protected] The Rainforest Alliance encourages diversity and inclusion across the global organization. With this commitment to diversity, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, ages, disability and any other protected group.