Head of People Relations

Job Description

About This Role

As the Head of People Relations, you will be a pivotal leader within the talent and organizational performance leadership team, directly heading the global people relations division as well as overseeing HR governance. In this multifaceted role, your mission is to develop, implement, and maintain people relations strategies and programs that align with our code of conduct and labor laws. Your leadership will drive the team that conducts investigations, ensuring fair and unbiased processes and resolutions. Collaborating with HR leadership and the legal department, you will ensure labor law compliance while playing a key role in improving productivity, employee engagement, and business outcomes through strategic organizational changes. Additionally, you will spearhead the design and delivery of essential training programs, contributing to a culture of effective communication and conflict resolution. Your analytical approach to monitoring employee relations trends will be vital in pinpointing improvement opportunities. From an HR Governance perspective, you will be responsible for the development of a robust governance program, staying abreast of labor law changes globally, and ensuring all regulatory filings are accurate and timely. This role is not only about oversight but about strategic influence, ensuring the integrity of our operations and positioning the company for continued success.

What You’ll Do

•    Develop and lead the execution of the Employee Relations strategy, ensuring alignment with the company's business objectives.
•    Lead all reorganizations and reductions in force, managing them efficiently across the enterprise.
•    Provide expert advice and coaching to managers at all levels, addressing complex employee behavior and performance issues, and participating in the termination approval process.
•    Oversee the investigation process, including the review of investigation reports and compliance hotline call follow-ups to the board of directors.
•    Conduct and/or lead complex investigations, manage risks effectively, recommend resolutions, and collaborate with HR partners on investigation execution.
•    Oversee HR Governance, including monitoring global labor law changes and implementing projects to mitigate organizational risks.
•    Advise on the global and regional rollout of programs, policies, trainings, and business projects, considering their applicability and employment factors.
•    Support non-employee related matters in collaboration with the Non-Employee CoE team on an ad-hoc basis.
 

Qualifications

Who You Are
You are an experienced HR professional who has navigated the complexities of global multi-location companies with ease. You understand the intricacies of employee relations and possess the ability to coach and influence without direct authority. With your strong communication skills, you are adept at maintaining poise and persuasiveness in challenging situations. You are a global thinker, sensitive to cultural differences, and capable of crafting solutions that resonate across diverse environments. Your collaborative nature allows you to build relationships with ease, and your commitment to ethical practice is the cornerstone of your professional philosophy.

Required Skills
•    A minimum of 12 years of HR Business Partner and/or Legal and Employee Relations experience including direct experience with handling and resolving employee relations matters in major, sophisticated, global multi-location companies with hands-on experience developing and implementing policies and employment actions
•    Bachelor's degree in a related field required. Juris Doctorate (JD) a plus
•    Comprehensive understanding of global employee relations laws and regulations
•    Proven ability to translate employee relations solutions into actionable plans for management
•    Ability to think systematically and globally, understanding the complexities and interdependencies of information and events to develop more effective solutions and ideas wherever Biogen operates.
•    Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish collaborative relationships
•    Competent in coaching and indirect leadership
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills
•    The capability to remain tactful and calm in controversial or confrontational situations
•    A strong background in performance management and coaching

Additional Information

The base salary range for this position is $163,000 - $225,000. Base salary offered is determined though an analytical approach utilizing a combination of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills & experience, job location, and internal equity. 

Regular employees are eligible to receive both short term and long-term incentives, including cash bonus and equity incentive opportunities, designed to reward recent achievements and recognize your future potential based on individual, business unit and company performance.  

In addition to compensation, Biogen offers a full and highly competitive range of benefits designed to support our employees and their families' physical, financial, emotional, and social well-being; including, but not limited to: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
• Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement  
• Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance 
• A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
• Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 days off for Personal Significance
• 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit
• 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
• Employee stock purchase plan  
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year  
• Employee Resource Groups participation      

Why Biogen?

We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.

At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired. Read on to learn more about our DE&I efforts.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Biogen is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.