Lead Employee Relations Specialist

About McKesson

McKesson is a Fortune 10 company focused on healthcare, known for delivering products, insights, and services that make quality care accessible and affordable. The company prioritizes the well-being and growth of its employees and the communities it serves.

Role Overview

The Lead Employee Relations Specialist based in Cork, Ireland, provides expert guidance on Employee Relations, Labor Relations, and Workforce Compliance to business leaders. Key duties include managing employee complaints, ensuring adherence to employment laws, and handling complex employee and labor relation matters. The role works closely with HR, Legal, Compliance, and leadership teams to maintain fair and consistent employment practices.

Responsibilities

• Act as a subject matter expert on employment laws in Ireland and EU, Employee and Labor Relations, and Workforce Compliance.
• Conduct investigations and respond to internal complaints, external claims, and other sensitive employee relations issues in line with Irish legislation and company policy.
• Lead complex investigations involving disciplinary actions, grievances, dignity at work, and workplace conduct matters.
• Advise and coach managers on employee behavior, performance management, and disciplinary procedures within Irish legal frameworks.
• Collaborate with Legal and Compliance teams in handling Workplace Relations Commission complaints, Labour Court cases, and potential litigation.
• Manage labor relations activities and liaise with employee representative groups including works councils and trade unions as directed by the VP, Labor Relations.
• Ensure compliance with relevant Irish and EU employment legislation such as the Unfair Dismissals Acts, Employment Equality Acts, Organisation of Working Time Act, and Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act.
• Guide workforce compliance concerning statutory leave, working hours, accommodations, and local regulations.
• Provide training on employee and labor relations, and compliance topics tailored for the Ireland workforce.
• Maintain thorough documentation of cases, including investigation notes and final reports using case management systems.
• Analyze employee trends and risks to recommend mitigation strategies that improve employee experience and reduce risks.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; preferably in HR, Business, Industrial Relations, Law, or related fields.
• Minimum of 6 to 8 years of continuous experience in Employee Relations, with extensive involvement in complex investigations.
• Proven expertise supporting employee populations based in Ireland.
• Strong knowledge of Irish employment law and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience handling cases with the Workplace Relations Commission or Labour Court is preferred.
• Background in labor relations or working with employee representative bodies is advantageous.
• Experience managing workforce compliance related to working time, leave, and accommodations in Ireland.
• Prior experience within multinational or matrix organizations is desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• In-depth understanding of Irish employment law and employee relations.
• Expertise in labor relations and employee engagement.
• Proficient in conducting complex and sensitive investigations.
• Focus on compliance and risk mitigation strategies.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing capabilities.
• Decision-making and sound judgment skills.
• Conflict resolution and management proficiency.
• Professional credibility and executive presence.
• Attention to detail and quality orientation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Additional Information

• Up to 25-30% travel may be required.
• The role reports directly to the VP, Employee Relations.
• Compensation aligns with Irish market norms and may encompass base salary, annual bonus, and benefits supporting overall well-being.
• Base pay ranges from €86,300 to €143,800, depending on experience and skills.
• The company stresses vigilance against recruitment scams and cautions candidates to engage only through official channels without providing payment or sensitive information.