Job Description

Associate Relations Manager- Norway, Oslo

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. Operational excellence plays a critical role in enabling scalable growth, consistent quality, and sustainable performance across our clinics and regions.

About the role

At Mars Veterinary Health, our Associates are at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for an experienced Associate Relations Manager to lead employee and labour relations activities within the country, ensuring a fair, compliant, and values-driven workplace where Associates can thrive.

This is a strategic role that partners closely with leaders, People & Organisation (P&O) teams, Legal, and employee representative bodies to strengthen associate engagement, manage complex people matters, and support organisational success.

Roles and Responsibilities

Lead Associate Relations

• Provide expert guidance to leaders and P&O teams on employee relations matters, conflict resolution, and labour strategies.

• Manage and oversee complex workplace investigations, ensuring consistency, objectivity, and compliance.

• Advise managers on performance management, disciplinary processes, terminations, and risk mitigation.

• Analyse employee relations trends and identify opportunities for improvement, training, and policy enhancements.

• Ensure compliance with local employment legislation and internal policies.

Drive Labour Relations

• Build and maintain effective relationships with Works Councils, unions, and employee representatives.

• Support collective labour agreement (CLA) negotiations and partner with Legal and P&O leadership on labour matters.

• Provide labour relations expertise during organisational changes, restructures, and transitions.

• Contribute to workforce planning, risk assessments, and change initiatives.

Build Capability Across the Business

• Coach leaders and P&O Business Partners on associate relations best practices and ethical decision-making.

• Deliver training, workshops, and practical tools to strengthen people management capability.

• Foster an associate-first culture built on trust, emotional intelligence, and inclusion.

Strengthen Policies and Compliance

• Maintain expert knowledge of labour legislation, Works Council requirements, and employment regulations.

• Partner with Legal and Risk teams to ensure policies remain aligned with changing legislation and market practices.

• Use insights and external developments to proactively prevent issues and drive continuous improvement.

Collaborate with Key Stakeholders

• Develop strong relationships with leaders, associates, Legal, Compensation, and external agencies.

• Collaborate across Mars Veterinary Health businesses and global teams to share best practices and ensure alignment.

• Represent the organisation externally with regulatory or governmental bodies when required.

Experience Required

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in employee and/or labour relations within a complex, regulated, unionised, or Works Council environment.

• Proven experience managing complex investigations and sensitive people matters.

• Strong understanding of employment law, compliance frameworks, and case management.

• Experience supporting organisational change and labour negotiations is highly desirable.

• Knowledge of Workday or other HRIS platforms is advantageous.

Education

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

• Professional certifications in employee relations, labour law, or people management are beneficial.

Skills & Competencies

• Employee Relations and Conflict Resolution

• Leadership and Coaching

• Legal and Regulatory Compliance

• Investigation and Analytical Thinking

• Communication and Stakeholder Management

• Process Improvement and Strategic Thinking

Additional Requirements

• Fluency in English and the Norwegian

• High emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to navigate complex situations with integrity.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

If this sounds like you:

Please contact Christina Scimeca , Group Corporate Recruiter, who is happy to tell you more about this opportunity and the recruitment process. Or apply by submitting your resume through the apply button below.

MVHE is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.

Internal Candidates/Associates: If you are interested in this position, please reach out to the Corporate Recruiter to understand the internal recruitment