Employee Relations Specialist - EMEA (1 Year Contract)

Ciena is committed to our people-first philosophy. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a personalized and flexible work environment that empowers an individual’s passions, growth, wellbeing and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

HR Business Operations

• Provide frontline support for employees and managers (company policies, employee relations, annual programs). Answer and advise on EMEA employment law issues and queries through ticketing Ciena and live
• Advising and supporting HR Business Partners with ER and case management issues across the EMEA region
• As required, partner with HRBPs and legal to manage restructuring and performance management activities in the region
• Partnering with Centers of Excellence (Talent Acquisition, Legal, Compensation, Benefits, L&D, Global Mobility, HRIS, etc.) to drive positive employee experience outcomes
• Be part of the HR representative for the Works Councils in France and Germany
• Perform exit interviews for all EMEA leavers, identify trends or areas for improvement & feedback

Employee Relations and Case Management

• Provide expert advice and support to HRBPs, managers, and employees on employee relations matters, including performance management, conflict resolution, and policy compliance.
• Address and resolve employee concerns and escalations related to terminations, grievances, and disciplinary actions.
• Advise HRBPs on employee case management issues, ensuring compliance with EMEA labor laws and organizational policies.
• Collaborate with legal teams to manage performance management and restructuring activities, ensuring proper legal processes are followed.

HR Excellence

• Contributes to/leads people projects (Globally or EMEA) that drive improvement and deliver new value for the Ciena people promise
• Promoting self-service (Tier 0) to employees and managers, freeing up HR team to focus on higher value activities
• Constantly reviewing and developing Tier 0 Content so that it is up to date and relevant
• Identifying new areas for HR improvement, such as automation or process improvement
• Support the development, set up and review of HR policies and documents across EMEA
• Process HR paperwork and system updates in an accurate and timely manner (eg promotions, transfers, leavers, relocations etc)
• Input and update data to WorkDay system, ensuring it remains current and accurate
• Work closely with the payroll team to answer queries and ensure accurate processing each month
• Maintains all electronic HR files and correspondence in line with GDPR
• May need to perform general administrative duties from time to time, including raising POs and assisting with invoice processing for the EMEA HR team

Collaboration with stakeholders: you will be in the center of our regional operation, interacting daily with employees and colleagues of all areas and levels, from different cultures and countries. 

Qualities we admire:

• Someone that shares our passion for technology and Core Values (Velocity, Integrity, Innovation, Outstanding People and Customer First)
• Employee relations experience. Knowledge and experience of the EMEA region and the employment landscape
• Detail-oriented and committed to a high degree of accuracy
• Strong logical thinker who applies good judgement to employee situations
• Highly ethical and able to deal with confidential issues with tact & discretion
• Excellent organizational skills and abilities. Capable of effectively managing multiple demands from a variety of sources, remains calm under pressure.
• Have strong focus on customer service and meeting the demands of internal and external clients

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At Ciena, we are committed to building and fostering an environment in which our employees feel respected, valued, and heard.  Ciena values the diversity of its workforce and respects its employees as individuals. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination.

Ciena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.