Global Head of Labor Relations

At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we'll give you what you need to make it happen. It won't always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you'll never run alone. Run what runs the world.

This role sits within ABB's Robotics business, a leading global robotics company. We're entering an exciting new chapter as we've announced the plan for SoftBank Group to acquire ABB Robotics. SoftBank is a globally recognized technology group and investor/operator focused on AI, robotics, and next-generation computing.  By joining us now, you'll be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of robotics—working alongside world-class experts in a fast-moving, innovation-driven environment.

This Position reports to:

In this role, you will establish and lead the labor relations framework for Robotics NewCo, ensuring we meet Global and local requirements while building a professional, transparent, and collaborative dialogue with employee representatives. You will be the first point of contact setting up the European Works Council (EWC) in accordance with EU directive, developing a governance model for labour relations, and supporting HR and business leaders and people.

Your work will lay the foundation for a positive, fair, and engaged employee relations culture, ensuring Robotics NewCo combines the agility and strength of a global leader.

The work model for the role is: hybrid, remote

Key stakeholders include European Works council, HRBPs, Business Leaders and group legal/HR functions.

You will be mainly accountable for:

• Designing and implementing Robotics NewCo's global labour relations strategy, policies, and governance model, aligned with local legislation and cultural contexts.

• Establishing and managing the European Works Council (EWC) in line with EU directives, ensuring effective representation, collaboration, and ongoing engagement with employee representatives.

• Building a systematic, professional culture of collaboration with unions and works councils, grounded in trust, transparency, and partnership.

• Supporting and coaching HR leaders and business managers in managing labour relations matters, negotiations, and employee representation.

• Anticipating and analyzing social, legal, and labour market trends, tracking union priorities, and ensuring proactive preparation for negotiations and engagements.

• Monitor and actively mitigate any labor or employee relations related risks Resolving complex labour relations issues to ensure compliance, minimize risk, and maintain a positive, engaged work environment

• Additional responsibilities are to be assigned to the selected candidate based on their background and skills.

Qualifications for the role:

• Degree in Law, Industrial Relations, or a related field; advanced labor law qualifications are an advantage.

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in labor relations and employee relations leadership, ideally in technology, engineering, or innovation-driven industries.

• Proven expertise in working with EU and German, French, Dutch and Scandinavian labor law, with deep knowledge of works council/union frameworks and collective bargaining.

• Demonstrated success in establishing or managing a European Works Council (EWC) and developing governance structures for labor relations.

• Hands-on and results-driven mindset, with the ability to balance strategic influence and pragmatic delivery in a carve-out or transformation environment.

• Strong negotiation skills with a track record of delivering concrete, sustainable outcomes in complex labor relations contexts.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build trust-based relationships with unions, works councils, and senior leadership and HRBPs.

• Fluent in German and English (written and spoken); additional European languages are a plus.

• Ability to work across cultures, geographies, and time zones, bringing a global mindset and local expertise.

What's in it for you?

• Be part of a once-in-a-lifetime journey: establish the labor relations framework of a Robotics NewCo from the ground up.

• Impact at scale: your work defines how we collaborate with unions and works councils across Europe.

• Freedom to shape: design governance, processes, and relationships that reflect both European requirements and NewCo's culture.

• Grow with us: gain exposure to senior leadership, complex negotiations, and high-impact carve-out projects.

• Collaborative culture: join a diverse, energetic team that values trust, fairness, and partnership.

Our Team Dynamics

You will join a high-performing, collaborative, and forward-looking HR team, where you can thrive by building something new, tackling complex challenges, and shaping the future of labor relations in Robotics NewCo.

We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit to read more about us and learn about the impact of our solutions across the globe.