Employee Relations Sr Specialist – Works Council

Remote from
Germany flag
Germany
Annual salary
Undisclosed
Salary information is not provided for this position. Check our Salary Directory to estimate the average compensation for similar roles.
Employment type
Full Time,
Job posted
Apply before
20 Jun 2026
Experience level
Senior
Views / Applies
54 / 12

About Gympass

Gympass is a global wellness platform that connects companies and their employees to a wide range of fitness and wellness services.

Actively Hiring
Verified job posting
This job post has been manually reviewed for authenticity and compliance.

AI Summary

Wellhub is hiring an Employee Relations Senior Specialist – Works Council to join their People team in Berlin, Germany. This role focuses on managing relationships with German Works Councils, drafting works agreements, and advising on co-determination rights. The ideal candidate has 5-8 years of experience in German labor law, particularly the BetrVG, and is fluent in German and English. The position reports to the Director of Employee Relations and supports broader European employee relations topics.

Job Complexity

Easy Hard
AI Insight The role requires deep expertise in German co-determination law and proven negotiation skills with Works Councils, which are highly specialized and complex. Additionally, the need to balance business goals with legal compliance in a high-growth tech environment adds to the difficulty.

Salary Analysis

Median
$85,000
US Market
$70,000 – $110,000
AI Insight The salary for this role is not specified in the job posting. Based on US market data for senior employee relations specialists, the median salary is estimated at $85,000 per year. However, this role is based in Berlin, Germany, where local market rates may differ. The offered salary should be competitive for the German market, given the specialized skills required.

Key Skills

German Labor Law BetrVG Works Council Negotiation Employee Relations Co-determination Works Agreements HR Advisory Cross-functional Collaboration Conflict Resolution Compliance

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Employee Relations Senior Specialist – Works Council position at Wellhub. With over 6 years of experience in German labor law and employee relations, I have successfully navigated complex co-determination matters and negotiated multiple works agreements. My deep knowledge of the BetrVG and proven ability to build constructive relationships with Works Councils align perfectly with the requirements of this role.

In my previous role at a high-growth tech company, I served as the primary liaison for several Works Councils, advising HRBPs and leadership on co-determination rights and leading negotiations for organizational changes. I am adept at finding pragmatic solutions that support business growth while maintaining compliance and positive employee relations. I am particularly drawn to Wellhub's mission of promoting workplace wellness and would be excited to contribute to a team that values wellbeing and collaboration.

I am confident that my expertise and proactive approach will enable me to drive impact in this role. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can support Wellhub's continued success.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Can you describe your experience negotiating works agreements (Betriebsvereinbarungen) with German Works Councils? Provide a specific example.
In my previous role, I led negotiations for a new mobile device policy. The Works Council had concerns about data privacy and monitoring. I worked closely with Legal to address those concerns by proposing a policy that included clear guidelines on personal use and data protection. After several meetings, we reached an agreement that balanced business needs with employee privacy.
How do you handle situations where the Works Council strongly opposes a business initiative?
I first seek to understand their concerns by listening actively and asking clarifying questions. Then, I identify areas of compromise and present data or examples from other companies to support the business case. If needed, I involve Legal to explore alternative solutions that still meet business objectives while respecting co-determination rights.
Explain a complex co-determination issue you resolved and the steps you took.
We were implementing a new performance management system that the Works Council believed violated co-determination rights regarding employee monitoring. I organized a series of workshops to explain the system's purpose and how it would be used. I also worked with HR to adjust the system to include a feedback mechanism for employees. Ultimately, we reached a works agreement that satisfied both parties.
How do you stay updated on changes to German labor law and co-determination practices?
I subscribe to legal updates from major labor law firms, attend seminars by the German Association for Labor Law (Verein für Arbeitsrecht), and participate in professional networks. I also regularly review decisions from the Federal Labor Court (BAG) to ensure my knowledge is current.
Describe a time you had to influence a senior leader to consider the Works Council's perspective.
During a restructuring, the Works Council raised concerns about the social plan. I presented the legal requirements and potential risks of not addressing their concerns, such as litigation or employee morale issues. I provided data on industry standards for social plans and facilitated a meeting between the Works Council and leadership. The leader agreed to adjust the plan, resulting in a smoother implementation.

Your wellbeing, our mission. Join a company shaping a healthier world.

GET TO KNOW US

At Wellhub we’re revolutionizing workplace wellness. Our platform connects employees worldwide to the best partners for fitness, mindfulness, therapy, nutrition, and sleep—all in one simple subscription. Headquartered in NYC with team members in Europe, North America and South America, we’re on a mission to make every company a wellness company.

We believe work should be fulfilling, inspiring, and balanced. Here, you’ll find a team that values wellbeing, collaboration, and different perspectives, where passion and creativity push boundaries to create real impact. Your contributions will help shape a healthier, more balanced world for you and millions of people globally. 

Join us in redefining the future of wellbeing!

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are hiring an Employee Relations Senior Specialist – Works Council to our People team in Berlin, Germany!

This role is to join our dedicated Employee Relations (ER) team, reporting directly to the Director of Employee Relations. As our primary point of contact for German Works Councils, you will act as a strategic bridge between the business and employee representatives. You will work closely with Legal, HRBPs, and leadership to navigate co-determination law, finding pragmatic solutions that support our growth while maintaining constructive relationships. This is a vital position for someone who knows the BetrVG inside out and wants to drive impact in a high-growth, mission-driven environment.

YOUR IMPACT

  • Manage day-to-day relationships with German Works Councils, ensuring communication remains clear, structured, and proactive.
  • Draft, review, and negotiate works agreements (Betriebsvereinbarungen) in close coordination with Legal and key stakeholders.
  • Advise HRBPs and business leaders on co-determination rights, BetrVG requirements, and complex employee relations matters.
  • Support critical business projects, including organizational changes, policy rollouts, and tech implementations, ensuring Works Council consultations represent business needs.
  • Maintain thorough documentation of all Works Council interactions, agreements, and negotiation outcomes to ensure compliance and continuity.
  • Contribute to broader European employee relations topics, providing expertise to support other markets as needed.
  • Live the mission: inspire and empower others by genuinely caring for your own wellbeing and your colleagues. Bring wellbeing to the forefront of work, and create a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable taking care of themselves, taking time off, and finding work-life wellness.

WHO YOU ARE

  • A seasoned Labor Relations expert with at least 5–8 years of experience specifically focused on German co-determination and employee relations.
  • A subject matter expert with solid knowledge of German labor law, particularly the BetrVG (Works Constitution Act).
  • A skilled negotiator with hands-on experience drafting works agreements and representing company positions clearly and professionally.
  • An effective communicator with the confidence to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, from local representatives to global leadership.
  • A qualified professional with a degree in Law, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • A bilingual professional with native-level fluency in German and advanced proficiency in English. French is a plus.
  • A pragmatic problem-solver who thrives in high-growth tech environments and knows how to find the middle ground in complex situations

We recognize that individuals approach job applications differently. We strongly encourage all aspiring applicants to go for it, even if they don’t match the job description 100%. We welcome your application and will be delighted to explore if you could be a great fit for our team. For this specific role, please note that English fluency and prior experience in negotiating with German Works Councils and deep knowledge of the BetrVG are mandatory requirements.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

With thoughtful benefits, emotional wellbeing resources, and a culture that empowers you to take ownership of your role and your wellbeing, we create an environment where you can thrive in all dimensions of your life. Our benefits include:

WELLHUB: Free Gold membership with access to onsite gyms and studios, digital fitness programs, and online wellness resources for meditation, nutrition, mental wellbeing support, and more! Add up to three family members to your plan, ensuring access to wellness for those who matter most to you.

FLEXIBLE WORK: As a Flexible First company, we offer hybrid and remote options to give you the freedom to work in a way that suits you. The model for this specific role can be discussed with your recruiter and hiring manager. We offer all employees a one-time reimbursement to set up their home office equipment and a monthly work allowance to help cover the costs of working from home.

  • Our offices are in Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and the UK. You can work from any office or remotely based in any of these countries.

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE:  Flexibility for us isn’t just about where we work—it also means being able to shape how and when we get things done. Together with their leaders, employees define schedules that align with their time zones, team needs, and personal routines.

PAID TIME OFF: We know how important it is to take time away from work to recharge. Employees receive 30 days paid holiday per year in addition to annual holidays (including an extra holiday on your birthday!).

PARENTAL LEAVE: Welcoming a new child is one of the most special moments in your life. Take the time to be present and enjoy your growing family. We offer 100% paid parental leave to all new parents. Parents giving birth are eligible for an extended leave and a ramp-back period to return part-time while they get settled.

CAREER GROWTH: Access world-class platforms, participate in interactive sessions, build your personalized development roadmap, and explore internal opportunities. We focus on continuous learning and feedback to support your journey toward personal and professional success. 

CULTURE: You’ll join a team of passionate people who come together to break boundaries, support each other, and create a meaningful impact in workplace wellness. We win together, building trust through open communication and a culture where every perspective matters. Learn more about our shared culture and values here. 

And to get a glimpse of life at Wellhub… Follow us on Instagram @lifeatwellhub and LinkedIn!

Diversity, Equity, and Belonging at Wellhub

We aim to create a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive space where everyone knows they belong. At Wellhub, we welcome and celebrate your authentic self.

Wellhub is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.

Our commitment to inclusion also extends to how we recognize and reward our people. We’re proud to be Syndio Fair Pay Certified, reflecting our ongoing dedication to equitable and fair pay practices across our global team. Read more about it here.

 #LI-HYBRID

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Annual salary information is not provided for this position. Explore salary ranges for similar roles in our Salary Directory ›

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