At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible.

At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we’ve been doing just that. Our technology helped people put a man on the moon.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You’ll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That’s us, too.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital®, G-Technology™, SanDisk® and WD® brands.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It’s You & Western Digital. Together, we’re the next BIG thing in data.

Job Description

The Global Employee Relations Team supports Western Digital ensuring consistency and reducing compliance risks in our employment practices and policies worldwide. The ER Team partners closely with the regional practitioners, Centers of Excellence, Ethics and Compliance and Legal to review, advise, and investigate workplace concerns and ensure Western Digital’s employees are treated fairly.

As the Employee and Labor Relations Partner, you be the primary liaison between Western Digital, site labor unions, and the Industrial Relations Office. You will own and maintain a collaborative labor/management relationship on the ground, serving as the company’s lead labor negotiator. You will work cross-functionally to bring deep subject matter expertise to people processes and help build and enforce Employee Relations and Labor Relations programs and policies. This position reports to the Senior Manager of Employee Relations.

This role supports primarily Malaysia but serves as a back-up for ER partners in other locations as well. The role will be based in Penang. Working on-site is highly preferred but we will consider a hybrid model as well. The key responsibilities for the role are:

• Conduct investigative casework from end-to-end, inclusive of interviewing, data/evidence analysis, disciplinary/remedial action adjudication, and report writing
• Analyze casework trends and produce strategic recommendations to the business to proactively address systemic issues
• Consult and collaborate with business partners, local teams, Legal, and outside counsel on complex employee investigations
• Facilitate proper stakeholder engagement to integrate programs and offerings that offer duplicative solutions.
• Rapidly produce high-quality written communications that concisely analyze problems and recommend solutions; design and deliver highly engaging training sessions
• Challenge current practices, industry status quo, and generate creative mechanisms that bring about large-scale solution
• Advise People Solutions Partners and the business on complex employee relations issues
• Be the primary point of contact for all union matters with the union, site management and the IR Office.
• Serves as a member of the bargaining committee.
• Manages all bargaining meeting logistics.
• Coordinate bargaining preparations.
• Be a member of the Labor Management Committee. Review and provide input on LMC agenda items.
• Manages administration of labor contracts; provides interpretation of labor contracts to managers, employees and HR staff; oversees processes for review and resolution of employee grievances
• In partnership with local HR teams, conducts research necessary to support contract negotiations.
• In partnership with Global ER Leaders, propose and use appropriate negotiation strategies to develop bargaining goals and negotiate contracts consistent with the company’s values and goals.

Successful candidates will also demonstrate:

• A strong grounding in Malaysia labor and employment law, inclusive of investigative practices. Knowledge of international labor and employment law a plus
• Passion for Talent Management and the Central Investigations processes
• The ability to understand business goals and recommend new approaches, policies, and procedures to drive continuous improvement
• Strong data and analytical skills
• Experience with rapidly growing and changing work environments
• Enthusiasm for driving a positive work environment and managing a virtual team
• The ability to think big but also not be afraid to "roll up your sleeves”
• The ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, have a bias for action - orientated on results
• An ability to interface at all levels of the organization
• Passion for innovative HR solutions and process improvement
• The individual will work on critical employee relations issues that are crisis-oriented and typically time-sensitive.
• In depth knowledge of employee and labor relations trends, legal decisions, and statutory changes.

Qualifications

• Proven record of accomplishment of confident communication and management of stakeholders across all levels of an organization, including the ability to propose complex solutions and explanations in writing.
• Proven relevant experience in labor and employee relations.
• A strong grounding in labor and employment law, inclusive of union negotiations and investigative practices in Malaysia.
• Strong knowledge of labor relations and industrial relations court proceedings
• Strong knowledge of RBA and internal audit processes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to demonstrate sound judgment even in ambiguous or stressful situations.
• High-level leadership and decision-making skills.
• Proven record of accomplishment leading quality programs with spirit of continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to establish strong and trusting relationships with colleagues at all levels in the organization to gain support and achieve results
• Able to identify and anticipate client needs and make recommendations for implementation
• Ability to recognize issues and bring forward solutions to enhance or improve the business and HR functions and processes
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills

• Ability to independently handle multiple priorities, tasks and assignments and work in individual and team environments
• Ability to balance time between projects and crisis-response is a critical component for success in the position.

• Ability to handle sensitive and highly confidential information and situations

Preferred Qualifications:

• You are empathetic at your core; you love asking the right questions just as much as solving the problem.
• High attention to detail including precise and effective customer communications and proven ability to manage multiple, competing priorities simultaneously.
• Experience with stakeholder management in a global organization.
• Experience consulting directly with employees and management.
• Experience helping global and/or matrixed organizations scale
• Experience learning and thriving in a constantly changing environment and cultivate relationships across teams
• Broad knowledge of Human Resources functions
• Candidates with a graduate Law degree are strongly preferred

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Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at [email protected] to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

NOTICE TO CANDIDATES: Western Digital has received reports of scams where a payment is requested on Western Digital’s behalf as a condition for receiving an offer of employment. Please be aware that Western Digital and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to [email protected].