At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead industrial relations strategy and manage union engagement during major business changes.
- Company: Join a major UK operational business focused on transformation and employee relations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: UK-wide travel required; fixed-term contract with excellent career opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of change in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in industrial relations with strong negotiation skills.
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, 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.
UK Wide / Multi-Site Travel Required
12-Month Fixed-Term Contract £68,000 - £75,000 + £7,000 Car Allowance
Anne Corder Recruitment Ltd acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and as an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying you will be registered as a candidate with Anne Corder Recruitment Ltd, your personal data may be added to our database as part of the application process. Our privacy policy is available on our website and explains how we will use your data. Your details will be reviewed by one of our Recruitment Partners and we will contact you again within 5 working days if your application is to be progressed further. Please note that we are not able to provide support with visa sponsorships and all applicants must be based in the UK and hold the valid right to work in the UK.
Industrial Relations Manager in Peterborough 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 multi-site operations. 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 Peterborough
✨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. Given the focus on union engagement, be ready to discuss your past experiences with collective consultation 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 experience with TUPE processes and restructuring. Make it clear that you understand the intricacies of industrial relations in a manufacturing environment.
✨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’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our network.
We think you need these skills to ace Industrial Relations Manager in Peterborough
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.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact, especially in negotiations and restructuring activities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell your story. Explain why you’re passionate about industrial relations and how your experience makes you the perfect fit for this transformation programme. We love a good narrative!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
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, particularly in complex restructuring or TUPE 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 and collective consultation obligations. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, especially in high-pressure environments. This will highlight your credibility and readiness for the challenges ahead.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Show your calm and commercially pragmatic approach by engaging them in conversation about their current challenges. This not only demonstrates your interpersonal skills but also your genuine interest in the organisation's success.
