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- Tasks: Lead and shape the long-term Industrial Relations strategy while engaging with trade unions.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on employee engagement and transformation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping workplace relations and driving positive change.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in trade union negotiations and strong knowledge of employment law.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team that values strategic thinking and innovative solutions.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the Role
I am looking for an experienced and strategic Industrial Relations leader to shape and deliver our long-term approach to employee and trade union engagement. This role plays a critical part in supporting organisational transformation, ensuring strong governance, and fostering collaborative, productive relationships with trade unions.
You'll act as the organisation's senior IR expert, advising leadership on risk, compliance, and labour market developments, while leading collective bargaining, negotiations, and dispute resolution. Working closely with HR, Legal, and operational leaders, you'll ensure industrial relations strategy aligns with our wider People and Culture ambitions and transformation agenda. This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives in complex environments and can balance organisational priorities with positive workforce outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver the organisation's long-term Industrial Relations strategy
- Act as the primary senior contact for trade unions and employee representatives
- Lead collective bargaining and complex negotiations
- Manage disputes, grievances, and mediation to avoid escalation
- Advise senior leaders on IR risk, employment law, and labour market trends
- Ensure full compliance with employment law, governance, and documentation standards
- Partner with HR, Legal, and operational leaders to support change and workforce impacts
About You
- Passionate about Industrial Relations and building constructive union relationships
- Extensive senior-level experience in trade union negotiations and collective bargaining
- Strong knowledge of employment law and IR frameworks
- Confident influencer, communicator, and negotiator
- Strategic thinker with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree-level qualification (preferred) or equivalent professional experience
- Proven senior-level IR leadership experience
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and conflict resolution skills
Industrial Relations Advisor employer: Akkodis
Contact Detail:
Akkodis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Industrial Relations Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industrial relations field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your negotiation skills. Think of real-life scenarios where you've successfully navigated disputes or collective bargaining. We want you to showcase your expertise and confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in employment law and industrial relations. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show potential employers that you're passionate and proactive about your field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are keen to join us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Industrial Relations Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in industrial relations. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your trade union negotiation successes!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, emphasise your ability to think strategically about industrial relations. We’re looking for someone who can balance organisational priorities with positive workforce outcomes, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Highlight Your Communication Skills: As a senior IR expert, strong communication is key. Use your application to demonstrate your influencing and negotiating skills. We want to know how you’ve effectively communicated with trade unions and senior leaders in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Akkodis
✨Know Your IR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in industrial relations and employment law. Being able to discuss recent developments or case studies will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the field.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Think through potential negotiation scenarios you might face in the role. Prepare your strategies and be ready to discuss how you would handle disputes or grievances, showcasing your conflict resolution skills.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to talk about how you would align the industrial relations strategy with broader organisational goals. Use examples from your past experience to illustrate your ability to think strategically and implement effective solutions.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, this role involves a lot of collaboration. Make an effort to connect with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their experiences and the company culture. This will demonstrate your interpersonal skills and genuine interest in the role.
