At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead industrial relations strategy and manage complex workforce changes across multiple sites.
- Company: Join a major UK operational business focused on transformation and change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a high-pressure, multi-site operational setting.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of a significant transformation programme in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in industrial relations with strong negotiation skills and knowledge of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 75000 € per year.
Anne Corder Recruitment are partnering with a major UK operational business to appoint an experienced Industrial Relations Specialist to support a significant change and transformation programme across a multi-site manufacturing environment. This is a highly specialised role focused on industrial relations, union engagement and organisational change.
The Role
- Working closely with operational leadership, legal, finance and site teams, you will lead the industrial relations and employee consultation agenda through a complex business change programme.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading industrial relations strategy and maintaining effective relationships with Unite
- Managing collective and individual consultation activity across multiple sites
- Supporting restructuring activity, including TUPE and organisational change programmes
- Advising leaders on negotiations, dispute resolution and employment risk
- Supporting workforce transition, retention and communication plans
- Partnering with operational and H&S teams to maintain workforce stability throughout change
- Providing clear governance reporting, risk management and stakeholder updates
What We’re Looking For
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:
- 10+ years’ industrial relations experience within manufacturing, logistics, engineering or other unionised operational environments
- Significant experience negotiating with Unite or similar major trade unions
- Strong background managing complex restructuring, consultation and TUPE processes
- Experience operating across multi-site businesses
- Excellent working knowledge of UK employment law and collective consultation obligations
- The credibility and resilience to operate effectively within high-pressure operational environments
Why This Role?
This is an opportunity to play a key role within a major transformation programme where industrial relations expertise will be central to business success. The organisation is looking for someone calm, commercially pragmatic and highly credible — someone able to build trust, manage complexity and lead confidently through periods of change.
For interim candidates, please provide an all-inclusive day rate when applying.
Industrial Relations Specialist
UK Wide / Multi-Site Travel Required
12-Month Fixed-Term Contract
£68,000 - £75,000 + £7,000 Car Allowance
Industrial Relations Manager in Cambridge employer: Anne Corder Recruitment
At Anne Corder Recruitment, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our support for professional development and the opportunity to lead significant transformation programmes across a multi-site manufacturing environment. With competitive remuneration and a focus on maintaining workforce stability during change, we provide a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in industrial relations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Industrial Relations Manager in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industrial relations field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent changes and challenges. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in union negotiations and workforce transitions. We want you to shine and show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Role-play scenarios where you might need to negotiate with unions or manage disputes. The more comfortable you are, the more confident you’ll appear in interviews. We believe in you—let’s get you ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you who can lead change in complex environments. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Industrial Relations Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your industrial relations experience, especially in manufacturing or unionised environments. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the role!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your experiences with union negotiations and complex workforce changes, and don’t forget to show a bit of your personality!
Showcase Relevant Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on achievements that demonstrate your expertise in industrial relations and restructuring. We love to see quantifiable results that showcase your impact!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quickly. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Anne Corder Recruitment
✨Know Your Unions
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of major trade unions, especially Unite. Understand their structure, key players, and recent negotiations they've been involved in. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed industrial relations or led complex restructuring processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate your contributions and outcomes.
✨Understand Employment Law
Familiarise yourself with UK employment law, particularly around collective consultation obligations and TUPE regulations. Being able to discuss these confidently will set you apart as a knowledgeable candidate who can navigate legal complexities.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Show your calmness and resilience by engaging in a two-way conversation. Ask insightful questions about their current challenges and how they envision the role contributing to their transformation programme.
