Industrial Relations Manager

Location: BirminghamWorking Model: Hybrid (with flexible arrangements available)Salary: Circa £65kWe’re working with a leading higher education establishment on a key hire within their HR team as they look to hire a Senior Industrial Relations and HR Policy Manager to lead on shaping their Employment Relations strategy, evolve HR policy frameworks, and manage critical relationships with Trade Unions and senior stakeholders.If you’ve led on Industrial Relations and Employment Relations within a complex unionised organisation, and want to make a meaningful impact in a values-led environment, this could be an excellent fit.What Makes This a Great OpportunityYou’ll join an organisation with a people-first culture, sector-leading development initiatives, and a genuine commitment to inclusion, innovation, and wellbeing. This is a highly visible role with real scope to shape policy, influence decision-making, and collaborate with senior leaders and Trade Unions alike.Alongside the opportunity to make a lasting impact, you’ll benefit from a generous holiday package (40 days including bank holidays), access to a top-tier pension scheme, and a suite of generous family friendly and wellbeing benefits.What You’ll Be DoingLeading the development and implementation of the organisation wide Employment Relations strategyBuilding and maintaining constructive relationships with Trade Unions, consulting, negotiating and managing change effectivelyOverseeing the design and governance of HR policies, ensuring alignment with legislation, and best practiceCollaborating closely with colleagues across HR (e.g. Reward, Talent, Operations) to deliver joined-up services and policy interpretationProviding guidance and training to ensure legislative and policy awareness across the HR teamSupporting major organisational projects and strategic HR initiativesWhat You’ll NeedProven experience managing Employment Relations and policy development in large, complex organisationsA deep understanding of employment law, consultation frameworks, and strategic HR leadershipCIPD L7 qualified (or equivalent experience) with a solid track record in operational and strategic HR deliveryStrong communication and influencing skills with the ability to work at pace and manage multiple workstreamsAn inclusive, proactive, and collaborative approach with a passion for supporting continuous improvementJames Andrews is acting as an employment agency and business in relation to this role.At James Andrews Recruitment Solutions we try to respond to all applications personally, however, due to the high volume of applications this is not always possible. If you have not heard back from us within 72 hours, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.