Mission

The Head of Industrial Relations is a senior HR management role responsible for overseeing and managing the relationship between an organization and its employees, labor unions, and other stakeholders.

The position holder is the key liaison for the strategic relationship with, and for all seconded personnel towards SNCB/NMBS.

This position also operates as the internal specialist (legal counsel)- for labor and social law and provides first line legal support to Lineas for all matters related to this subject.

Tasks

Manage the industrial relations in Lineas and develop an Industrial Relations Plan

• Organize and manage the key meetings and relations with unions and employee representatives (OR, SD, CPBW, Union Secretaries, …). Make sure we have a coordinated and professional approach in all interactions with the unions in Belgium
• Make sure that all agreements and action points are followed-up and help to present Lineas as a reliable employer
• Build a network within the organisation helping the CHRO and the CEO to anticipate social tension
• Develop and execute a comprehensive industrial relations strategy aligned with and anticipating to the organization's goals and values.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Act as a coordinator and a sounding board for the HR colleagues in Lineas NL, FR and DE for their social/labor relations challenges. Make sure we have an aligned approach across countries.

Industry Representation and Negotiating Collective Bargaining Agreements

• Represent Lineas in the overarching industry bodies (e.g. PC 226) to look after Lineas’ interests
• Lead negotiations with labor unions to establish fair and mutually beneficial collective bargaining agreements.
• Collaborate with legal and HR teams to ensure contracts comply with relevant laws and regulations.

Conflict Resolution

• Works with managers and HR Business Partners to resolve disputes between employees and management or between different employee groups and safeguards the company’s legal position in these matters
• Provide guidance on disciplinary actions and terminations in compliance with relevant laws and policies.

Policy Development, cross-country coordination and compliance:

• Develop and update policies related to labor relations, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Keep abreast of changes in labor laws and advise senior management on potential impact.
• Stays in touch with the Country HR Managers about developments in labor relations in the other countries, avoiding unnecessary inconsistencies

Labor and Social Law Market Analysis

• Stay informed about changes in legislation and identify what is mandatory or relevant for Lineas. Collects competitor practices or other good practices to make informed decisions or bring innovation in this field to Lineas.
• Provide insights to senior management regarding potential labor issues and risks.

Training and Development
Implement training programs for management and employees on industrial relations policies, procedures, and best practices. Promote a culture of fairness, equity, and compliance within the organization.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Collect and analyze data related to employee relations, labor costs, and other relevant metrics.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior management on industrial relations performance.

First Lineas legal advise for Labor and Social Law

• Act as an internal advisor for HR and Management regarding Labor and Social Law
• Liaison between Lineas and the external law firm for Labor and Social Law. Managing both the relationship as the budget

Profile

• Masters degree in Legal, social law
• 10+ years of experience
• Impeccable verbal and written communication skills in English and Dutch or French
• Strong strategic and conceptual thinking; solid business acumen and good understanding of how labor relations related topics can help the business
• A strong communicator with excellent influencing skills.
• Pro-active, stress-resilient, pragmatic, result-oriented, flexible and a change leader
• Pragmatic, hands-on
• Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• In-depth knowledge of labor laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• MS Office proficiency
• Expert in Dutch, English and French

Information

• Full-time indefinite contract.
• 13th-month & bonus.
• Car
• Benefits: hospital insurance, private accident insurance, group insurance for guaranteed income and pension.
• Meal vouchers and eco vouchers.
• 23 vacation days, one additional day after one year, 9 ADV days, and one extra vacation day every five years of seniority.
• Workplace mostly Brussels, with the possibility working at other Lineas locations
• Day work.

Who are we?

We are Lineas, the largest private rail freight operator in Europe. We convince companies to shift the transport of their goods from road to rail. Because that's much better for the climate and mobility. We make this Modal Shift a reality with the best train products and innovative services.

We, the FREIGHT FORCE, dedicate ourselves day after day to the freight transport of our customers. And to really make a difference!

At Lineas, diversity is fundamental. We believe skills and talents are not related to gender, ethnicity, age, social background, sexual orientation, or philosophical or religious beliefs. Help us promote an inclusive and supportive work environment.