Associate Director, Employee Relations

At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.
 

Every member of Gilead’s team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we’re looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.
 

We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.

Job Description
 

About the Role - Associate Director, Employee Relations (ER)

Gilead HR is undergoing an exciting period of transformation. Work is underway to modernize our employee experience, streamline our existing processes, and align our service delivery on a global scale while retaining the ability to provide personalized support during the moments that matter to employees.

Reporting to the Director of ER, the Associate Director, ER, will work as part of an International ER Team who collectively are responsible for delivering broad scope ER support in 38+ countries as a Centre of Excellence within a multi-tiered HR delivery model.

This role is based in Stockley Park, London and will be responsible for providing core ER support to assigned business functions and certain locations in the UK and currently South Africa.  At times, the role may also provide cover to certain other locations in Europe and the Middle East. This role will work closely with other internationally based ER Partners who form part of the wider team and are located in Ireland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Japan.

Our vision is to ensure all employees are treated fairly and with respect and we do this by helping the organization navigate complex people issues in a way that is fair, consistent, and compliant, with a focus on potentially contentious issues or areas of legal risk, as well as managing the company’s relationship with various European works councils.  In doing so, we aim to uphold the company's values and support an inclusive culture built on integrity and trust. 

Essential Functions - Associate Director, ER

Provides subject matter expertise and guidance, including practical support on a broad range of International ER issues, including:

• performance management
• investigations
• grievance
• disciplinary and terminations
• reorganisations
• complex leaves of absence
• sickness absence issues
• sensitive negotiations

• Understands and works within International ER frameworks including base knowledge of works councils and collective elements  
• Has sound knowledge of HR policies and practices and applies to situations to address and resolve issues
• Provides guidance to HR Partners in the widest sense and People Leaders on handling complex employment issues
• Responds to and investigates complaints involving employee conduct that may violate company policies, values, and/or legal obligations. 
• Partners with Legal and conducts investigations under their guidance when potentially unlawful conduct is involved.
• Prepares investigation summaries which includes factual findings and conclusions.
• Contributes towards and takes an active part in business change projects including acquisitions/people integration, restructurings and reorganisations
• Demonstrates good knowledge & judgment and confidence to work autonomously
• Manages case records, being responsible for accuracy and data quality

Management & Leadership

• Able to navigate ambiguity and develop solutions to complex problems that require ingenuity and creativity.
• Contributes to the development of ER processes, knowledge, trainings, and metrics.
• Manages ER initiatives, such as training on key ER policies, policy maintenance and development
• Maintains trusted relationships with their stakeholders and partners
• Proactively assists HR and Managers in reviewing, revising, recommending, and/or implementing sound ER solutions 
• Conducts ongoing analysis of ER data to identify trends and develop insights to be shared with HR and business leaders.  Leverages data to inform targeted, proactive efforts to reduce the number of ER issues in the first place.  

Teamwork

• Acts as an integral team member of the global ER team on employment matters
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with other members of the HR team, the Legal team, and other internal clients
• Shows team spirit and collaborates well with functions, departments, and geographies.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in the Employee Relations field and a BS or BA degree.

• Employment Law Degree desired
• Experience in the biopharmaceutical industry desired
• Second language desired
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Broad knowledge of HR principles, practices, and procedures in Europe
• Requires solid working knowledge and understanding of Human Resources legislation / employment law, principles, policies, and procedures in multiple countries
• Ability to exercise good judgment and provide strategic advice.
• Ability to effectively interact with employees at all levels of the Company.
• Effective partnering skills.
• Excellent teamwork and interpersonal communication skills are required.
• Work is largely performed independently with some direction.
• Ability to bring insight into the team / business in a multi-cultural and multi-location environment.
• Ability to manage a high volume of work.
• Able to make quick, sound decisions based on knowledge and judgement. Understanding of when to seek further input and advice from more experienced colleagues
• Resilient and adept at managing priorities
• Proficient with ER case management systems and comfortable exporting, interpreting, and summarizing data for relevant audiences (e.g. HR leaders, business leaders, employees at large).  Experience using ServiceNow or equivalent case management system a plus. 
• Ability to solve novel or adaptive challenges and navigate ambiguity.
• Ability to operationalize, design and map ER processes.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

It is the policy of Gilead Sciences, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively "Gilead" or the "Company") to recruit select and employ the most qualified persons available for positions throughout the Company. Except if otherwise provided by applicable law, all employment actions relating to issues such as compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, returns from layoffs, company-sponsored training, education assistance, social and recreational programs are administered on a non-discriminatory basis (i.e. without regard to protected characteristics or prohibited grounds, which may include an individual’s gender, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, medical condition, veteran status, and age, unless such protection is prohibited by federal, state, municipal, provincial, local or other applicable laws). Gilead also prohibits discrimination based on any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.