Industrial Relations Manager

About Us:
Fresenius Kabi is a global healthcare company that specializes in lifesaving medicines and technologies for infusion, transfusion, and clinical nutrition.
Our products and services are used for the therapy and care of critically and chronically ill patients.

Established in 1995, Fresenius Kabi India Pvt. Ltd is the country's most admired healthcare provider. Fresenius as a global healthcare provider has been committed to Life for over 100 years. We are dedicated to healthcare professionals by providing them with a diverse range of pharmaceutical products and medical devices. Our business can be broadly classified into four therapeutic areas, Clinical Nutrition which offers parental and enteral nutrition products, IV drugs which formulate intravenously administered generic drugs such as Oncology drugs, Anaesthetics and analgesics, Anti-infective and critical Care drugs, Infusion therapy which includes infusion solutions & colloids, Medical Devices (Transfusion Technology/Infusion Technology) offers pumps, disposables, Infusion management system, products of collection & processing of blood components & for treatment of patients blood by apheresis systems. In the field of biosimilars, we develop products with a focus on autoimmune diseases and oncology. All these therapeutic areas are segmented into 4 different business verticals functioning across various geographies.

Industrial Relations (IR) Manager - Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant
Position: Industrial Relations (IR) Manager
Location: Ranjangaon, near Pune
Reporting To: Site HR Head
Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Experience: 10+ years in industrial relations, labor law compliance, union management, and dispute resolution, preferably in the manufacturing or pharmaceutical sector.

Role Summary:
The IR Head will be responsible for labor relations, trade union negotiations, compliance with labor laws, grievance redressal, dispute resolution, and legal case management to ensure industrial harmony. The role requires strong negotiation skills, expertise in labor laws, and experience in handling court cases related to labor disputes.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Industrial Relations & Union Management

• Build and maintain cordial relationships with labor unions, workmen, and employee representatives.
• Lead negotiations for collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), ensuring alignment with company policies.
• Handle union demands, disputes, and wage negotiations in collaboration with senior management.
• Develop strategies to prevent labor unrest, strikes, and work stoppages.
• Represent the organization in discussions with union leaders, labor officers, and industry forums.

2. Labor Law Compliance & Legal Risk Management

• Ensure 100% compliance with labor laws such as the Factories Act, Industrial Disputes Act, Trade Unions Act, Minimum Wages Act, and Contract Labor (Regulation & Abolition) Act.
• Conduct periodic legal audits and ensure all statutory requirements are met.
• Implement policies and best practices to mitigate legal risks in labor matters.
• Stay updated on changes in labor laws and regulations, ensuring timely policy adaptations.

3. Managing Court Cases & Legal Disputes

• Represent the company in labor courts, industrial tribunals, and legal proceedings related to IR issues.
• Work closely with legal counsel to prepare and defend cases involving disputes, wrongful termination, and wage claims.
• Ensure timely resolution of labor cases and minimize legal liabilities.
• Maintain detailed records of court cases, arbitrations, settlements, and disciplinary actions.

4. Employee Grievance Handling & Disciplinary Actions

• Establish an effective grievance redressal mechanism for workers and staff.
• Address misconduct cases, disciplinary inquiries, and disputes, ensuring due process.
• Guide supervisors and managers on disciplinary actions and legal compliance.

5. Workforce Engagement & Communication

• Implement employee communication programs to foster trust and transparency.
• Conduct awareness sessions on workplace rights, labor laws, and ethical work practices.
• Regularly engage with workers and supervisors to address concerns proactively.

6. Stakeholder & Government Liaison

• Act as the primary point of contact for labor departments, inspectors, and legal authorities.
• Handle compliance inspections and government interactions professionally.
• Collaborate with external consultants and legal teams to handle complex labor issues.

7. Policy Development & Risk Mitigation

• Develop and implement industrial relations policies in line with business and legal frameworks.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify potential IR challenges and devise mitigation strategies.
• Implement preventive mechanisms to avoid labor unrest or production disruptions.

8. Employee Welfare & Well-being Initiatives

• Work with HR and management to enhance employee well-being, workplace safety, and engagement.
• Oversee contract labor management to ensure ethical practices and compliance.
• Support initiatives that improve working conditions, health, and safety at the plant.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Masters degree in HR, Industrial Relations, Labor Law, or related fields.
• 10+ years of experience in IR, union negotiations, and labor law compliance in a manufacturing or pharmaceutical environment.
• Strong experience in handling labor unions, collective bargaining, and legal disputes.
• Expertise in labor laws, compliance, and disciplinary proceedings.
• Hands-on experience in handling labor court cases, disputes, and arbitration.
• Excellent negotiation, conflict resolution, and stakeholder management skills.