For senior HR leaders looking for the latest jobs in Mumbai and nearby in Maharashtra, this is a perfect opportunity. Johnson & Johnson has a new, high-impact vacancy for the Head of Employee & Labour Relations for India. This is a chance for an experienced HR or Legal professional to lead a critical function for a global healthcare giant.
About the Opportunity
Johnson & Johnson, a global leader in healthcare innovation, is looking for a seasoned and strategic leader to become the Head of Employee and Labour Relations for India. This is a senior HR leadership role based in Mumbai with a hybrid work model. You will be responsible for leading the entire ER and LR function for the country, ensuring a fair, compliant, and positive work environment for all employees.
As the Head of ER and LR, you will be responsible for everything from managing employee grievances and disciplinary actions to developing the national labor relations strategy and advising on collective bargaining agreements. You will lead a team of HR professionals and act as the subject matter expert for all complex workforce events, such as restructuring, mergers, and acquisitions. This is a challenging and rewarding role for a professional with a deep background in Indian labor laws and employee relations.
A Glimpse into Your Day
Your day will be a strategic mix of team leadership, stakeholder management, and proactive policy development. You might start by coaching your team on handling a complex employee grievance case, ensuring it is resolved with confidentiality and integrity. Later, you could be in a meeting with business leaders and BUHR to prepare for a collective bargaining negotiation. A significant part of your role will involve staying current on all Indian employment and labor laws, ensuring all company policies are compliant, and providing expert advice on major restructuring or M&A activities. You will also be responsible for mentoring your team and driving a culture of continuous improvement.
Why This is a Standout Opportunity
- Country-Level Leadership Role: Lead the entire Employee and Labour Relations function for India for a globally respected Fortune 500 company.
- High-Impact Strategic Work: Go beyond routine HR and develop the national ER/LR strategy, manage union relationships, and advise on major business transformations.
- People Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of HR professionals, building their capabilities and fostering a high-performing, transparent work environment.
- Hybrid Work Flexibility: Enjoy the balance of working from both the office in Mumbai and from home.
Who is the Ideal Candidate?
- Education: A minimum of a Post Graduation is required. A degree in HR or Legal is preferred.
- Experience: You must have a minimum of 10 to 12 years of progressive Human Resources experience.
- Leadership Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience in managing a team (people management) is mandatory.
- Key Skills:
- Proven, in-depth experience in both Employee Relations (grievances, discipline) and Labour Relations (union negotiations, legal compliance) in India.
- Strong ability to partner with and influence senior business stakeholders in a complex, matrix organization.
- Demonstrated experience as a change management champion.
- A strong track record of building trusting relationships and handling sensitive matters with empathy and integrity.
About the Employer: Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson is a global leader in healthcare innovation. Through their expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, they are uniquely positioned to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow and profoundly impact health for humanity. They value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive, people-first culture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the difference between Employee Relations (ER) and Labour Relations (LR)?
A1: Employee Relations (ER) generally deals with the relationship between an employer and its individual, non-unionized employees. This includes handling grievances, disciplinary actions, and performance management. Labour Relations (LR) specifically deals with the relationship between an employer and a workforce that is represented by a trade union, including collective bargaining and union negotiations.
Q2: Is a law degree mandatory for this role?
A2: No, it is not mandatory, but it is "preferred." The minimum requirement is a postgraduate degree, and candidates with a background in either HR or Law are a good fit for this position.
Q3: Is prior experience in managing a team required?
A3: Yes, this is a people leadership role. A minimum of 3 years of direct people management experience is a mandatory requirement.
Q4: What does "hybrid work" mean for this position?
A4: A hybrid work pattern means you will be expected to work some days from the office in Mumbai and will have the flexibility to work from home on other days.
Q5: What is a "matrix environment"?
A5: A matrix environment is a common structure in large global companies where an employee may report to multiple leaders (e.g., a country HR head and a regional ER head). This role requires someone who can navigate this complexity and influence stakeholders effectively.
📄 Official Notification / Apply Link: https://www.careers.jnj.com/en/jobs/r-031670/head-of-employee-labour-relations-india/