Associate Relations Senior Manager

About MVH Europe:

Mars Veterinary Health (MVH) Europe is a family of leading veterinary care providers committed to creating a better world for pets. Our network includes trusted brands such as AniCura and Linnaeus, operating over 500 animal hospitals and clinics across 17 European countries. Together, our teams deliver high-quality, modern veterinary care for companion animals, ensuring peace of mind for pet owners through excellent access and patient safety.

AniCura, our largest brand in Europe, provides care to over three million patients each year through 12,500 dedicated professionals. Linnaeus, operating primarily in the UK and Ireland, is home to over 6,000 Associates empowered to deliver exceptional care through a culture of collaboration, clinical excellence, and continuous development.

At MVH Europe, we prioritize a culture of accountability, inclusion, and wellbeing. We believe our purpose — to make A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS — starts with building a better world for our people. We support our teams through strong governance, comprehensive wellbeing programs, and a shared passion for delivering exceptional outcomes in veterinary care.

Role Overview:

The Associate Relations Senior Manager leads the Associate Relations agenda across the Northwest Europe region, with direct operational responsibility for the Netherlands and Belgium and strategic oversight across additional markets within the region. The role is responsible for ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant management of associate and labor relations matters while fostering a positive associate experience aligned with Mars values and business priorities.

This role leads a team of Associate Relations Managers and partners closely with P&O, Legal, and business leadership to manage complex employee relations matters, works council and union engagement, organizational change processes, and labor risk mitigation across a multi-country environment

Key Responsibilities:

Associate Relations Leadership

• Lead the Associate Relations function across the Northwest Europe region, managing and developing a team of Associate Relations Managers.

• Act as the operational Associate Relations lead for the Netherlands and Belgium, providing direct guidance and support on complex cases and strategic people matters.

• Partner with the Associate Relations Director to operationalize the Associate & Labor Relations strategy across the Operating Unit.

• Provide expert guidance and coaching to P&O Business Partners, line managers, and senior leaders on employee relations matters, conflict resolution, and organizational risk mitigation.

• Conduct and oversee complex and high-risk investigations related to workplace complaints, misconduct, grievances, whistleblowing, and policy breaches, partnering with Legal where appropriate.

• Counsel leaders on performance management, disciplinary actions, exits, and sensitive associate matters to ensure fair and legally compliant outcomes.

• Monitor associate relations trends and insights, identifying systemic risks and recommending policy, process, or capability improvements.

Labor Relations & Works Council Management

• Lead and oversee works council and union engagement strategies across the Northwest Europe region.

• Serve as the primary operational lead for works council matters in the Netherlands and support broader regional labor relations activities.

• Provide strategic oversight and guidance to Associate Relations Managers managing works councils, unions, and employee representative bodies in other countries within the region.

• Advise on collective consultations, organizational restructuring, redundancies, and transformation initiatives, ensuring legal compliance and consistency across markets.

• Partner with Legal, Finance, and P&O leadership to assess labor relations risks and define mitigation strategies during complex organizational changes.

Policy, Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain oversight of employment law developments and evolving labor practices across regional markets, ensuring compliance and proactive risk management.

• Partner with Legal and Risk stakeholders to update policies, frameworks, and governance processes in line with legislative and organizational changes.

• Drive consistency in associate relations practices, documentation standards, and case management approaches across countries.

• Ensure robust governance and compliance related to investigations, labor relations processes, and associate relations activities.

Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead, coach, and develop Associate Relations Managers, fostering capability growth, consistency, and high-quality delivery across the region.

• Build organizational capability by coaching P&O teams and business leaders on associate relations principles, conflict resolution, and policy application.

• Support the development and delivery of training, workshops, and practical tools to strengthen leadership capability in managing people matters effectively and consistently.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Build strong and trusted relationships with senior leaders, P&O teams, Legal, works councils, unions, and external stakeholders.

• Collaborate proactively with regional and global Associate Relations teams to align on standards, governance, and best practices.

• Represent the Associate Relations function in internal and external forums as required.

Summary of the Role:

• Job Title: Associate Relations Senior Manager

• Department: P&O

• Reports To: Associate relations Director

• Location : Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Contract: Full-time

• Languages: Fluent English and Dutch are required

Education & Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Law, or a related discipline preferred.

• Additional qualifications or certifications in Employee Relations, Labor Law, Employment Law, or P&O practices are advantageous.

Knowledge / Skills / Experience:

• Significant experience in Associate/Employee Relations, ideally combined with experience in leading teams within a multi-site and/or multi-country P&O environment.

• Strong experience in Associate Relations/Employee Relations, ideally within complex, regulated, unionized, or matrix organizations.

• Experience managing works councils, collective consultations, union interactions, and organizational change initiatives.

• Demonstrated capability managing complex and high-risk investigations with sound judgment, discretion, and objectivity.

• Strong understanding of Dutch employment law and familiarity with broader European labor relations frameworks.

• Experience leading, coaching, and developing teams.

• Strong stakeholder management, influencing, and communication skills, including the ability to partner effectively with senior leadership.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

• High emotional intelligence, resilience, and ability to manage sensitive situations effectively.

Key Competencies

• Balances Stakeholders – Ability to build trusted partnerships and manage competing business, associate, and labor relations priorities effectively.

• Manages Complexity – Ability to navigate complex employee relations, organizational change, and labor matters across multiple countries.

• Develops Talent – Ability to coach, develop, and strengthen capability within Associate Relations and leadership teams.

• Drives Results – Ability to deliver pragmatic, compliant, and business-focused associate relations outcomes in a fast-paced environment

Our offer:

• The opportunity to join a purpose-driven organization shaping the future of veterinary care.

• A competitive salary and benefits package.

• A stimulating, international work environment with strong development opportunities.

• Freedom to take ownership and make a real impact.

• Flexible working hours and a hybrid working model.

• Learning and development opportunities across Mars.

• And yes — the chance to occasionally cuddle our four-legged colleagues in the office 🐾

Interested?

For more information, please contact Lekya Kanamarlapudi, Group Corporate Recruitment Partner, who will be happy to tell you more about the role and recruitment process.
Alternatively, apply directly by submitting your CV via the Apply button.

Mars Veterinary Health is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Internal Candidates: If you are interested in this role, please reach out to the Corporate Recruiter to learn more about the internal recruitment process.