Director Associate Relations

Job description

**Associate Relations Director – India & Philippines** The Associate Relations (Employee Relations) COE is responsible for building a centralized, expert level Associate Relations function that establishes a consistent and optimized process for investigating and resolving Associate complaints and conflicts across a broad scope of HR related matters. The function will enable management effectiveness through the execution of proactive associate relations initiatives and interventions. The Associate Relations Director role will be based in India, supporting associates, cases, and business units across India and the Philippines. This role requires the ability to work flexible hours to support regional business partners and cross‑border collaboration. This Role will be responsible for conducting Associate Relations investigations and inquiries, providing effective people management consultation and guidance, recommending outcomes to resolve employee relations issues, with a key focus on maintaining a positive employee relations climate, mentoring Associate Relations Managers, and assisting in the overall build and implementation of the Associate Relations COE organization. The Associate Relations Director will cover Associates and cases across multiple business units and geographies and typically will be involved in high risk and/or high profile investigations . They will also have responsibility for the building and maintenance of processes, procedures and tools for the function, including investigation guidelines, documentation procedures, training and development of junior team members. **Key Responsibilities** - Develop and lead a highly skilled group of ER managers - Responsible for defining and executing the ER strategy in the region, providing consulting, support and direction for the ER function in India and Philippines - Support investigators in highly sensitive HR and Employee Relations issues, including mentoring to Associate Relations COE Managers on effective investigation methods, approaches to assessing witness credibility, recommending appropriate outcomes, navigating the ADP organization, and communicating and collaborating with ADP stakeholder groups (i.e. the business, HR Business Partners, Legal, Ethics, GSO). - Interpreting and communicating policies with Associates and managers in the organization. - Investigating, analyzing and making appropriate recommendations regarding complex employee relations issues; exercise influence appropriately. Work independently to manage designated employee relations case load within established guidelines utilizing sound judgment. Conduct fair, neutral, timely investigations and provide guidance related to conflict resolution, disciplinary action and/or termination pertaining to, but not limited to: - Code of Conduct - Conflicts of Interest - Concerns about Management - Compliance Issues - Discrimination - Fraud/Theft - Hostile work environment - Health/safety at work (weapons/threats) - Substance Abuse - Retaliation - Unprofessional behavior - Partner with Legal, Risk, GSO, and HR to manage escalated Associate relations issues; monitor activities and outcomes to ensure fair and consistent application of policy and treatment of Associates. - Protect the balance of interests of both Associates and ADP in accordance with HR policies, laws and regulations. - Contribute to the overall build and execution of the new Associate Relations Center of Excellence, including build of processes, tools, and templates, engaging in change management initiatives, training of team members and stakeholder groups, building external relationships in the employee relations space, and recommendations on optimization of process and technology. - Recommend areas for improvement in delivery of services, technology and process - Assist in the compilation and analysis of data to identify trends, issues, and opportunities to develop and implement proactive associate relations strategies that minimize risk and promote a positive workplace culture in alignment with ADP core values. - Act as the primary AR partner with HRDVPs and their teams, understanding and discussing trends and upcoming plans and impact to the business. **Key Competencies** - Knowledge of local, state and federal regulatory requirements related to employee relations and legal obligations of employer/Associate relations for the region. - Demonstrated expertise with regional APAC employee relations rules and regulations required. - Deep knowledge of **Indian labor laws** (Shops & Establishments Acts, ID Act, POSH, wage laws, etc.) - Strong understanding of **Philippines labor laws** (Labor Code, DOLE requirements, anti‑harassment laws) - Familiarity with APAC ER frameworks - Seasoned and proven skills in managing difficult employee relation situations, Conflict Management, employment law, influence skills. - Excellent listening, questioning and problem-solving skills - Detail oriented, strong organizational skills; ability to set priorities for self and work with sense of urgency - Consultative skills; the ability to coach and develop Associates - Acts with objectivity, fairness and impartiality - Exhibits sound judgment, high integrity, and courage - Process and continuous improvement orientation - Interpersonal skills, ability to give and receive constructive feedback, ability to interact and partner with people at all levels including Executives. - Ability to work comfortably across organizational boundaries and quickly gain the credibility and respect of Associates at multiple levels. - Be highly team-oriented, willing to lead change for the betterment of the function / ADP. - Experience in building tools, templates, processes, service offerings and technology enablement preferred. **Qualifications** 10 years of ER/HR Experience to include strong employee relations. Experience in multination or matrix organization