Job DescriptionThe Freshworks People team shapes experiences that maximize the potential of our people. Based in San Mateo (HQ), this Senior Manager, Employee Relations role is a key member of our global ER leadership team, owning the employee relations agenda across the United States and Europe.
You will co-create ER strategy alongside our global ER leadership, bringing a unique lens and deep cross-cultural fluency to how we build a high-trust, high-performance culture.
We are re-imagining Employee Relations for today's world - how we handle workplace conflicts, how we take a more proactive, data-driven approach to organisational health, and how we teach employees to share diverse points of view with respect. At Freshworks, we believe we are stronger together.
What You'll Bring- BS/BA degree required; JD or advanced HR qualification a plus. 7+ years of relevant experience in employee relations, workplace conflict, and performance management, with meaningful exposure to both European and US employment environments.
- Proven experience operating as an ER practitioner at a senior level, with the ability to execute independently while contributing to broader global strategy.
- Demonstrated ability to attract, develop, and inspire talent; experience managing or mentoring ER team members or HR colleagues.
- Fresh, innovative, and data-driven thinking applied to complex, long-standing ER challenges - with a growth mindset and a track record of high-impact outcomes.
- Strong business and people acumen, with excellent consulting, conflict resolution, and facilitation skills across diverse cultural contexts.
- In-depth understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues and their application to employee relations practice.
- Knowledge of UK and European employment law (including but not limited to GDPR, works council obligations, and country-specific labour laws across the EU) highly desired.
- Proficient in US employment law (ADA, ADEA, FMLA). Knowledge of additional markets (Canada, India, Israel, Australia) is an advantage.
- Collaborative, influential, and decisive - able to lead and partner at all levels of the organisation while keeping stakeholders informed.
- Comfort with HR technology and case management tools (e.g. Salesforce, ServiceNow, Smartsheet); operational rigour in everything you do.
How You Will Lead- Co-create ER strategy with the global ER leadership team, ensuring alignment and consistency across the US and other regions.
- Own the day-to-day ER agenda for Europe and the United States - from complex case management to coaching managers and HR Business Partners on handling workplace issues with confidence and consistency.
- Build capability across the broader People organization on conflict resolution, mediation, restorative justice, and bias-aware decision-making.
- Partner with the global ER team to re-imagine how we address performance concerns, involuntary exits, and organisational changes - grounded in principle, designed for people, and executed with operational excellence.
- Serve as a trusted expert on organizational health issues: gaps in belonging and trust, manager-employee conflicts, and behaviours that do not align to Freshworks' values or DEI commitments.
- Ensure governance and compliance with employment policies and practices across the US and Europe, including interpretation and application of relevant laws, regulations, and corporate policy.
- Work closely with HR Business Partners, Talent Development, Total Rewards, and Legal to deliver coordinated, seamless support on ER matters.
- Drive accountability through strong case management practices, meaningful metrics, and a continuous improvement mindset.
- Partner with Legal to navigate works councils, trade unions, and local consultation requirements in European markets.
QualificationsEducation & Experience- Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field required; JD, Master's in HR/Labor Relations, or advanced HR certifications (e.g., SPHR, SHRM-SCP) desired.
- Relevant Experience: 8+ years of progressive, direct experience in Employee Relations, Workplace Investigations, and Performance Management, including at least 3+ years in a senior/lead capacity within a fast-paced, matrixed tech company or enterprise software environment.
- Cross-Border Expertise: Hands-on operational experience managing ER matters across both US and European jurisdictions (specifically UK, Germany, France, or Netherlands).
Legal & Compliance Mastery- US Employment Law: Deep expertise in US federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations (including FMLA, ADA/ADAAA, ADEA, Title VII, FLSA, FEHA, and state-specific leave/separation mandates).
- European Labor Relations: Working knowledge of European employment legislation, GDPR compliance as applied to workplace investigations, and practical experience navigating European Works Councils (EWCs), trade unions, and local statutory consultation processes.
Execution & Strategic Leadership- Investigation Expertise: Proven track record of independently conducting, managing, and documenting complex, high-risk workplace investigations (e.g., harassment, discrimination, executive-level misconduct, retaliation) with discretion and objectivity.
- Data & HR Tech Literacy: Comfortable leveraging HR technology and ER case management platforms. Demonstrated ability to analyze ER trends, case metrics, and workplace data to proactively identify root causes and recommend systemic solutions.
- People Leadership & Capability Building: Strong track record of coaching HR Business Partners (HRBPs) and managers on conflict resolution, mediation, restorative justice, and bias-aware decision-making.
- Stakeholder Influence & Business Acumen: Outstanding consulting, negotiation, and conflict management skills with a proven ability to challenge, advise, and partner effectively with cross-functional partners (Legal, DEI, Total Rewards, Business Leaders) at all levels of the organization.
Additional InformationWe're committed to building a workplace that reflects the diverse world we serve. At Freshworks, you'll find inclusive teams, flexible thinking, and opportunities to grow your career - while making work better for millions.
If this sounds like a journey you want to be part of, we'd love to meet you. Let's building something refreshing together.
The annual
base salary range for this position is $203,490 - $251,370 Base Salary. This role is also eligible for bonus compensation.
Compensation is based on a variety of factors including but not limited to location, experience, job-related skills, and level. Bonus/equity may be available.
