Senior Consultant, Employee Relations

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Consultant in Employee Relations to join Northern Trust’s European HR team. You will lead complex investigations, advise managers and HR partners, and support employee representative bodies across Continental Europe.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct investigations into sensitive or complex employment matters, ensuring legal privilege when required.
• Provide guidance to business unit managers and HR on employee counselling, discipline, and involuntary terminations.
• Partner with HR to liaise with employee representative bodies and unions throughout Continental Europe.
• Consult with management, HR, HR Compliance and Legal on investigation findings and policy interpretation.
• Facilitate policy, practice and procedure improvements based on investigation learnings.
• Participate in special projects reviewing Northern Trust policies and industry best practices.
• Identify business‑unit specific employee‑relations needs and develop tailored solutions.
• Mentor junior Employee Relations consultants and deliver training on ER topics.

Required profile

• Minimum 10 years of experience in Employee Relations, preferably supporting Continental Europe locations.
• Strong knowledge of union engagement and staff delegation processes.
• In‑depth understanding of corporate HR policies, employment laws and regulations.
• Proven ability to work closely with Legal Counsel on ER matters.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation and coaching skills.
• Fluency in English; additional European language is desirable.

Required skills

What we offer

• Flexible and collaborative work culture within a Fortune 500 financial institution.
• Opportunities to influence HR policy and drive change across a global organization.
• Access to leading technology and professional development resources.