Senior Global Employee Relations Lead Remote - Americas

We're looking for an experienced ER leader who will drive our global ER function, and enhance our approach to managing and resolving ER issues. You'll develop and implement strategies to deliver dynamic and innovative approaches to ER resolution, which meet the unique and complex needs of Shopify's global and remote-first workforce. With thousands of employees spread across the globe, there is never a dull moment on this team. Shopify marches to the beat of its own drum, and we're faced with nuanced and exciting issues you couldn't dream up if you tried.

You must be able to juggle competing priorities, and directly manage high pressure situations. You'll need to be energized by working in a fast-paced environment and tackling complex problems without clear answers. This role is player coach opportunity reports to the Director, Employee Relations, Labour Relations and Compliance.

Responsibilities

• Own, develop and continuously refine a comprehensive global ER strategy that aligns with organizational goals and values, whilst proactively identifying and leveraging opportunities to innovate, drive transformational change and push boundaries.

• Be a thought leader in progressive global employee relations and conflict resolution strategy.

• Spearhead the design and implementation of robust global ER case management frameworks, covering both internal investigations and progressive alternative dispute resolution methods (e.g. mediation), with an emphasis on integrating best practice, innovation and creativity in conflict management and resolution.

• Own all ER tooling and technologies, and formulate a strategic framework for enterprise-wide ER data/tooling management, insight, analytics and reporting, that drives organizational effectiveness and informed decision making.

• Conduct and consult on highly sensitive and/or complex workplace investigations, employing advanced alternative dispute resolution techniques and methodologies.

• Serve as a senior mentor and resource for ER team members, providing expert guidance to navigate complex, sensitive and ambiguous situations, whilst enhancing team capabilities.

• Lead cross functional partnerships with Legal and Talent stakeholders to ensure we strike the right balance between legal risk, business need and employee experience throughout the ER process.

Qualifications

• Significant relevant legal/ER experience

• Experience in resolving highly complex and difficult employee relations issues, disputes, complaints, and grievances.

• Direct experience of alternative dispute resolution models and application to a global ER framework.

• Strong knowledge of employment law and best practices in ER.

• Project/planning management experience, with a focus on continuous improvement and process redesign.

• High competency with ER data analytics and tooling.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Experience working on high urgency, high priority matters with executive level stakeholders that are sensitive in nature. Discretion is a must.

• Proven ability to create strategy and vision, as well as manage the execution of the work.

• Exceptional high judgment, analytical thinking, problem-solving and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to be a self-starter who thrives without regular oversight

Bonus Experience

• Experience working in tech and/or start-up environments. Bonus points if they were remote!

• Experience with employment law/ER in multiple jurisdictions