Employee Relations Specialist - Netherlands

EMEA Recruitment is working with an international organization in its search for an Employee Relations Specialist to join the HR team on a 10-month contract.

As an Employee Relations Specialist, you’ll provide expert advice and guidance on topics related to Employee Relations, workplace investigations, and organizational change specifically for The Netherlands to create a fair and positive workplace experience.

Responsibilities of Employee Relations Specialist

• Provide day-to-day advice and support to line managers and HR Business Partners on employee relations matters, including performance management, conduct, and disciplinary processes

• Support and, where appropriate, lead workplace investigations, partnering with Legal on complex or high-risk cases

• Support the business through organisational change activity, including reorganisations and restructuring, under the guidance of senior ER/Labour Relations leadership

• Contribute to works council consultation and collective consultation processes as part of a wider project team — preparing materials, tracking actions, and supporting communication between the business and employee representatives

• Maintain a constructive, transparent relationship with works council representatives and ongoing works council engagement

• Coach managers on policy application, difficult conversations, and consistent handling of people issues

• Maintain working knowledge of Dutch employment law and ensure ER practices remain compliant with statutory requirements

• Keep accurate case documentation and support reporting on ER trends and themes

• Build strong, trusted relationships with managers, employees, and HR Business Partners to promote a fair and positive workplace culture

Experience required

• 3–6 years' HR experience with a solid grounding in Employee Relations within the Netherlands

• Working knowledge of Dutch employment law and practical experience handling disciplinary, performance, and conduct matters

• Some direct or supporting experience with works council engagement or a collective consultation/reorganisation process (this is actively assessed at interview — candidates should be able to speak to a specific scenario in detail)

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills; comfortable coaching managers at varying levels of seniority

• Organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage sensitive casework and documentation accurately

EMEA Recruitment is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing our candidate searches on skills and experience. We welcome all applications regardless of age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.