Senior Labour Relations Manager - Germany and Austria

ServiceNow is seeking a Senior Labour Relations Manager to lead our Works Council and employee representation engagement across Germany and Austria. This is a newly created role that sits within our EMEA People organisation, requiring expertise in complex labour regulation, stakeholder management, and a commitment to protecting both employee voice and business continuity.
You will report directly to the VP of HR EMEA and will be the primary point of contact for Works Council and statutory employee representation relationships in Germany and Austria. Based in Munich.
Key Responsibilities
Relationship Management & Strategic Partnership
Build and maintain trusted relationships with Works Council representatives, employee delegates, Trade Unions and other external bodies
Serve as the primary liaison between ServiceNow leadership and the Works Council(s), ensuring clear and consistent communication
In partnership with the Senior Employee & Labour Relations Manager, develop and execute proactive engagement strategies that balance business needs with employee representation
Support stakeholder alignment across HR, Legal, Communications, and business leadership both within EMEA and Globally on labour relations matters
Statutory Compliance & Consultation
Ensure compliance with labour law and Works Council requirements across Germany and Austria
Negotiate Works Council agreements and employment-related initiatives that align with enterprise strategic objectives and employee interests
Lead and manage formal consultation processes and collective engagement initiatives, including the negotiation of collective agreements and works council agreements in applicable jurisdictions
Partner with Legal to assess employment law impacts and mitigate legal risk in labour relations matters
Organisational Change & Restructuring
Lead Works Council engagement and formal consultation on significant organisational changes, restructurings, and workforce decisions
Develop communication strategies and consultation plans that are legally compliant and respectful of employee voice
Provide labour relations counsel to HRBPs and business leaders navigating complex people decisions across Germany and Austria.
Policy & Process Development
In partnership with the Senior Employee & Labour Relations Manager, develop and maintain labour relations policies, processes, and frameworks aligned with applicable legal requirements
Conduct regular legal and regulatory landscape analysis to anticipate changes affecting our operations
Provide guidance on employee relations best practice and escalation protocols
Continuously improve processes and drive consistency in our approach to social dialogue and employee representation
Provide training and support to managers and other stakeholders on labor relations policies, procedures, and practices to ensure consistency and compliance across the organization
Support the implementation of new or updated people programs, policies, and practices
Required Qualifications & Experience
Experience in leveraging or critically thinking about how to integrate AI into work processes, decision-making, or problem-solving. This may include using AI-powered tools, automating workflows, analyzing AI-driven insights, or exploring AI's potential impact on the function or industry.
7+ years of progressive labour relations, employee relations, or HR experience
Deep expertise in Works Council laws and practice in Germany and Austria
Demonstrated experience leading large-scale organisational change and restructuring consultation processes
Strong understanding of collective bargaining, statutory consultation, and German (and Austrian) employment law
Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills, with ability to build trust across contentious issues
Fluency in English and German is essential; additional European languages are an advantage
Track record of advising senior leadership and HRBPs through complex labour relations challenges
Desirable Qualifications
Law degree or postgraduate qualification in labour law or human resources
Experience in multinational or matrix organisations with complex governance
Experience in technology or high-growth companies with USA headquarters
Certification in labour relations or HR (CIPD, SHRM equivalent)
Core Competencies
Strategic Thinking and Business Acumen: Ability to connect labour relations strategy to broader business objectives
Judgment & Decision Making: Ability to navigate ambiguity and make sound decisions under pressure
Relationship Management: Genuine interest in understanding different perspectives and building credible partnerships
Communication: Clear, direct communication with ability to translate complex issues for different audiences
Resilience & Care: Commitment to balancing business outcomes with genuine care for people affected by organisational decisions
Team Player: Ability to build strong relationships across HR and the business to be able to influence and advise and drive to the right outcomes
Reporting Line & Collaboration
This role reports directly to the VP of HR EMEA and will work closely with:
EMEA HR and Global HR Business Partners
Senior Employee & Labour Relations Manager
Senior Labour Relations Manager, France & Netherlands (peer role)
Employment Legal
Communications on stakeholder messaging
Business leadership

Skills
Negotiation, Employee Relations

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
No