Job Description:

At Mars, we believe in a relationship between our business and our employees that is more meaningful than usual. That’s why our employees are called Associates.

As an Associate (Employee) Relations Manager, you will handle cases and inquiries, mitigate risk, and minimize adverse impact to the business through the application of policies, practices, and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements. You will also resolve issues, and address needs to ensure situations are resolved fairly, objectively, and in a manner that aligns with our Five Principles and the Associate Concept. Beyond the case handling, you will act as a trusted partner, pulse of your segment, and take a proactive role in line with the segment strategy to partner by providing data and insights and come to tangible actions.

This temporary position is vacant as a maternity leave cover from 01.02.2025 until potentially 31.08.2026 and will be responsible for our German Pet Nutrition Demand organization in Verden.

What are we looking for? 

Relevant working experience in Human Resources, Employee Relations, Business Partnering or Generalist with profound knowledge of German employment and labor regulations

Approachable team player with customer mindset and conflict management skills as well as high responsibility for confidential and sensitive information

Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and handle cases with resilience

Fluent in English and German with strong communication skills and effective engagement within a wide range of individuals across all levels of the organization

What will be your key responsibilities? 

Issue resolution: Ensuring employee and business advocacy in leading grievance and disciplinary processes or investigations in line with Mars guidelines to build a fair, trustworthy, and inclusive workplace

Performance concerns: Partnering on performance management including next steps (i.e. separations, severance options and transition assistance)

Line Manager capability building for issue avoidance: Providing coaching and training to line managers and HR Business Partners in the areas related to employment law, grievance management and performance management as well as “Leading in the Mars way”

Labor authorities and Works Council engagement: Maintaining positive relationship with relevant external and internal stakeholders

Culture pulse and partnership: Serving as guardian of our Mars culture and being the pulse of the people strategy in regular business and transformation (i.e. restructures, M&A integration and changes to terms and conditions of employment)

What can you expect from Mars? 

Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.  

Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today. 

Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University. 

An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.  

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Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.