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- Tasks: Lead industrial relations strategy and manage union engagement during major business transformations.
- Company: Join a major UK operational business focused on impactful change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with multi-site travel and a chance to shape organisational change.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transformation, making a real difference in workforce stability.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in industrial relations with strong negotiation skills and knowledge of UK employment law.
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, not a traditional strategic HR Business Partner position. We are seeking an individual with deep expertise in union negotiations, restructuring and complex workforce change within blue-collar or manufacturing-led environments.
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 employer: Anne Corder Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Anne Corder Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Industrial Relations Specialist
✨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 a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your negotiation skills. Since this role involves union engagement, be ready to discuss your past experiences with collective bargaining and how you've navigated complex workforce changes.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, highlight your deep knowledge of UK employment law and your experience with TUPE processes. This will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Industrial Relations Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Industrial Relations Specialist role. Highlight your experience in union negotiations and restructuring, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your expertise in managing complex workforce changes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for industrial relations and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead through change.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Employment Law: Since this role requires a strong understanding of UK employment law, make sure to highlight your knowledge in this area. We want to see how you’ve applied this knowledge in past roles, especially in relation to collective consultation obligations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, your application will be processed more efficiently, and we can get back to you quicker. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Anne Corder Recruitment
✨Know Your Unions
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the unions you'll be working with, especially Unite. Brush up on their negotiation styles and recent agreements to show that you're not just familiar but also prepared to engage effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in industrial relations, particularly in complex restructuring and TUPE processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Understand Employment Law
Familiarise yourself with UK employment law and collective consultation obligations. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, as it will demonstrate your credibility and expertise in navigating legal complexities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires someone who can lead through change. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully managed teams during transitions, maintained workforce stability, and communicated effectively with stakeholders to build trust and manage expectations.