Employee Relations Director, Americas

Arcadis

About The Position

Lead the employee relations function for Americas, supporting the vision for the Global Employee Relations Centre of Expertise and assisting with the execution of a globally consistent employee relations strategy that aligns with our values, empowers our people, and supports sustainable business success. Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, helping them navigate the evolving employee relations and employment law landscape with clarity and confidence. Policy Innovation & Global Governance Design and oversee employee relations frameworks that strike the right balance between global consistency and local relevance. Champion forward-thinking, inclusive policies that reflect our cultural aspirations and local labor realities—ensuring fairness, transparency, and long-term trust. Be the escalation point for the most sensitive and high-impact employee relations and employment law cases and investigations globally. Model principled, fair decision-making that reflects our values and protects the integrity of our culture. Equip and coach HR leaders to build strong employee relations and employment law acumen at all levels. Play a pivotal role in managing the people side of transformation—in particular major transitions such as restructuring, M&A, and cultural shifts by providing strategic employee relations and employment law support ensuring smooth execution and minimal risk. Ensure our people feel seen, heard, and respected during change. Stakeholder Engagement & Influence Build and nurture strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders—internally and externally. Internally, partner closely with People Services, People Business Partners and Advisors, Compliance, Data Privacy and senior leadership teams to embed best-in-class employee relations and employment law practices into day-to-day operations and strategic planning. Externally, act as the face of the organization in engagement with works councils, regulators, and industry bodies. Represent the company with credibility, diplomacy, and a commitment to collaboration. We're looking for a dynamic, globally minded leader who combines strategic vision with deep expertise in employee relations and employment law. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in complex, multicultural environments and brings a balance of legal knowledge, people leadership, and business acumen.

Requirements

Proven track record of leading employee relations strategy and employment law in large, complex, and highly matrixed organizations across multiple geographies.
Proven experience managing employee relations and employment law issues across different geographies, labor law frameworks, and cultural contexts. You understand how to lead globally while adapting to local realities.
Must be a qualified employment lawyer with a deep understanding of global labor and employment laws. Ability to interpret and apply legal principles pragmatically in a business setting is essential.
Inspirational people leader with experience managing and developing globally dispersed teams.
Experience leading through change, transformation, or crisis. You've supported business transitions such as mergers, restructuring, or global expansions while ensuring people are treated with dignity and fairness.
Experience supporting M&A, restructuring, or workforce transformation initiatives with a people-first approach and strategic employee relations planning.
Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret employee relations and employment law trends, use data and AI to drive strategy, and turn insights into action.
Deep appreciation for cultural nuance and diversity. Able to navigate complexity with sensitivity, diplomacy, and an inclusive mindset.
Passionate about creating workplaces where people feel safe, respected, and heard
Anticipate challenges before they arise. You'll lead with a proactive lens to identify emerging risks, ensure global compliance with labor laws and employment practices, and guide decisions that protect both people and the business.
Ensure local HR teams are empowered with the right guidance, resources, and tools to lead with confidence.
Ensure that every employee relations and employment law touchpoint contributes to a workplace where all employees feel valued, included, and heard.
Ensure that employee relations approaches contribute positively to employee experience and employer brand.

Responsibilities

Lead the employee relations function for Americas
Assist with the execution of a globally consistent employee relations strategy
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders
Design and oversee employee relations frameworks
Champion forward-thinking, inclusive policies
Be the escalation point for sensitive employee relations and employment law cases
Equip and coach HR leaders
Manage the people side of transformation
Build and nurture strong relationships with stakeholders
Act as the face of the organization in engagement with works councils, regulators, and industry bodies
Shape and influence our approach to union engagement and collective bargaining