Employee Relations & Labor Relations (ER/LR) Manager

Employee Relations & Labor Relations (ER/LR) Manager

What we do

At Kenvue, we realize the extraordinary power of everyday care. Built on over a century of heritage and rooted in science, we’re the house of iconic brands - including NEUTROGENA®, AVEENO®, TYLENOL®, LISTERINE®, JOHNSON’S® and BAND-AID® that you already know and love. Science is our passion; care is our talent.

Who We Are

Our global team is ~ 22,000 brilliant people with a workplace culture where every voice matters, and every contribution is appreciated.  We are passionate about insights, innovation and committed to delivering the best products to our customers. With expertise and empathy, being a Kenvuer means having the power to impact millions of people every day. We put people first, care fiercely, earn trust with science and solve with courage – and have brilliant opportunities waiting for you! Join us in shaping our future–and yours. For more information, click here.

Role reports to:

ERLR Head Asia

Location:

Asia Pacific, Japan, Tokyo-To, Chiyoda

Work Location:

Hybrid

What you will do

Employee Relations & Labor Relations (ER/LR) Manager is responsible for leading the delivery of Employee Relations and Labor Relations services within the country. The ER/LR Manager is responsible for the effective management of employee relations matters (grievances, discipline, conflict resolution, performance management) measured by resolution of service requests within defined time periods, levels of accuracy and quality standards. The ER/LR Manager provides comprehensive labor relations support including but not limited to building positive relationship with labor authorities and managing labor risks. The ER/LR Manager will drive proactive initiatives to increase ER/LR awareness among employees and enhance ER/LR capability for managers. Additionally, they will support any ad hoc workforce events (M&A, Divestitures, restructuring etc.) requiring ER or LR involvement.

Roles & Responsibilities: 

• Case Management: Manages ER/LR cases for designated workforce groups while providing daily support, advice, and counsel to business leaders and managers on HR policies, grievance resolutions, discipline management, performance, reduction in force and workforce events.

• Guidance & Coaching: Coaches and partners with managers to address performance-related issues, including implementing performance management processes. Offers guidance on disciplinary matters related to non-ER investigations.

• Support for People Managers: Acts as the primary support resource for people managers by providing direct intervention and hands-on assistance in resolving employee performance-related challenges.

• Labor Relations Strategy: Provides insights and guidance on Labor Relations strategy to ensure compliance with labor regulations while managing associated risks.

• Policy Review & Compliance: Reviews and revises HR local country policies to align with labor regulations as necessary.

• Training & Development: Delivers employee relations training focused on appropriate workplace behaviors and performance management initiatives.

• Industry Insights & Networking: Gathers insights on industry trends related to employee relations and identify opportunities for improvement. Builds an external professional network to stay informed about workplace and marketplace dynamics.

• Proactive Practices & Collaboration: Supports the design, development, and implementation of proactive employee relations practices, programs, and policies for the market or region. Collaborates with the ER/LR regional or global leaders to implement regional or global policies or guidelines in the country.

• Research & Policy Enforcement: Ensures appropriate actions are consistently administered while acting as a steward for the company, escalating matters of concern as necessary to protect the company's interests.

 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• 10+ years HR experience with a minimum of 10 years in Employee and Labor Relations Employee Relations & Labor Relations and/or HR Generalist with experience researching, investigating, and addressing employee misconduct and performance management, reduction in force, providing guidance to management on ER/LR matters

• Knowledge of a country’s employment relations laws and practices and ability to handle ER issues in autonomy, or with the supervision of a manager for more complex issues

• Knowledge of labor relations laws and practices and ability to prepare all regular LR meetings with autonomy + ability to lead alone simple LR regular meetings

• Experience in diagnosing, isolating, and resolving complex issues and recommending and implementing strategies to resolve problems

• Enthusiastic team player with a strong drive to create a positive work environment 

• Strong relationship management, coaching and collaboration skills. 

• Analytical strategic thinker with strong skills in influence, negotiation, facilitation, written and verbal communication, and presentation.

 

Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree with specialization in Employee and Labor Relations / Industrial Relations / Law Degree / Human Resource Management 

• Certification in Japanese Labor Law is a plus.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in Japanese and English.

Kenvue is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

If you are an individual with a disability, please check our Disability Assistance page for information on how to request an accommodation.