(Associate) Director Legal of Employee Relations (f/m/x)

About the role 

We are looking for a(n) (Associate) Director Legal of Employee Relations (Syndikusanwalt/Fachanwalt für Arbeitsrecht) to provide expert legal advice on labor and employment law issues, including matters related to our works council (Betriebsrat), works agreements (Betriebsvereinbarungen), and general employee relations. This individual will collaborate closely with the other members of the Legal team (in particular with another Director Legal), the Director of Employee Relations, Human Resources, and senior leadership to ensure compliance with legal requirements and support negotiations with the works council.

🌍 This role is based in Berlin and reporting to our Group General Counsel. 

What you’ll do

• Provide sound, expert Employee Relations advice and guidance to HRBPs and business leaders on various employment law issues, ensuring compliance with local employment practices and labor law. 
• Advise and support the company on all legal aspects of labor law, employee relations, and works agreements, including disciplinary, grievance, probation, performance, long-term sick leave, and other employee-related issues
• Coach people managers on handling performance management challenges on their teams and giving them sound legal advice around individual labor law
• Represent the company in legal disputes related to employment law
• Prepare documentation and participate in the information and consultation process with the works council
• Support and lead negotiations with the Works Council and provide legal input to optimize internal HR strategies
• Build strong partnerships with business leaders and the People Partner team (HRBPs) to foster positive employee relations practices and ensure alignment on employment law matters
• Draft and review legal documents, including employment contracts, settlement agreements, works agreements and policies
• Stay up to date on developments in German labor law, ensuring proactive compliance and updating internal policies and strategies as needed
• Collaborate with external legal counsel on complex cases or when additional expertise is required

What you’ll bring

• You are a German-qualified lawyer (Rechtsanwalt) with a legal background in labor law and qualified as either a Syndikusanwalt or Fachanwalt für Arbeitsrecht
• Two German state examinations with distinction (Vollbefriedigend)
• 8 years of experience specializing in labor and employment law, with substantial experience working with works councils and preparing and negotiating works agreements
• Proven track record of working with works councils, from election to implementation, and managing works councils in highly demanding environments
• Proven ability to manage complex employment law matters, including negotiations and litigation
• Strong knowledge of German labor law, works agreements, and German Co-Determination law (Betriebsverfassungsrecht), and a passion for coaching others on these topics
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including HR and leadership
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex legal topics into clear, business-relevant language
• Experience in a corporate legal department or law firm, preferably with exposure to the tech or e-commerce sectors, is an advantage
• Fluent in German and English

What we offer 

• Fuel your career with excitement! Join an amazing tech powerhouses in a dynamic phase.
• Immerse yourself in a diverse global community of 90+ nationalities.
• Enjoy a competitive compensation package that goes beyond the norm, with perks like a HelloFresh-subsidized Pension Scheme, Berlin relocation support, and a Hybrid working model.
• Elevate your lifestyle with exclusive discounts on your weekly HelloFresh box and office meals.
• Plus, we've got your well-being covered with mental health support, transportation perks, and working-parent-friendly benefits. From our 24/7 gym access, wellbeing platforms like Headspace and Spill, to sabbatical leave options. HelloFresh is not just a workplace; it's a lifestyle of perks and possibilities!