Director, Employee Relations

About the role

The Director, Thrive (Employee Relations) leads the global Employee Relations function at Autodesk, setting strategy, priorities and operational excellence so that employees are treated fairly, respectfully and consistently with Autodesk's culture and values. The role builds and develops a high-performing team of ER professionals, oversees complex investigations and risk matters, and works with senior leaders, People Business Partners, People Consultants, Legal, Ethics & Compliance and Security.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop a global team of Employee Relations professionals, set goals, performance expectations, development plans and succession strategies, and foster psychological safety and continuous learning.
• Define and execute the global Employee Relations strategy, establish governance and quality frameworks, and represent the People function in the Policy Advisory Group.
• Handle highly sensitive, complex investigations and escalate critical matters, working with People Business Partners, Legal, Ethics & Compliance and Security, and acting as the senior escalation point.
• Advise senior leaders on complex people, culture and organisational matters, including organisational change, workforce challenges and employee experience initiatives.
• Own the ER operating model, drive continuous improvement of processes, tools and technology, use data and insights to measure outcomes, and champion the responsible adoption of AI and emerging technologies.
• Promote manager enablement, education and prevention, stay current on employment law and workplace trends, and build external professional networks.

Required profile

• Proven success leading global Employee Relations, Human Resources or People Experience functions and developing high-performing teams in complex, matrixed organisations.
• Experience building organisational capability through coaching, talent development, succession planning and performance management.
• Deep expertise in employee relations, workplace investigations, employment law and organisational risk management, including leading investigations, escalations and crises.
• Ability to influence senior executives and advise on complex people, culture and business challenges.
• Experience leading organisational change, transformation and continuous improvement in global environments.
• Experience evaluating emerging technologies such as AI and using data and analytics to inform strategy and measure outcomes.
• Strong leadership, coaching, stakeholder management and communication skills, and a commitment to continuous learning and external engagement.

What we offer

• For Canada-based roles, a starting base salary of $144,000 to $211,200, depending on experience and location, which may exceed this range.
• Compensation may also include annual cash bonuses, commissions for sales roles, stock grants and a comprehensive benefits package.