Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead trade union consultation and negotiation for workforce transformation across multiple organisations.
- Company: Join the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, a key player in public sector change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension contributions, flexible working, and tailored learning opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with access to senior decision-makers and a focus on inclusion and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workforce change while engaging with senior leaders and trade unions.
- Qualifications: Experience in employee relations, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 56375 - 56375 £ per year.
Defra is seeking a senior Employee Relations professional to lead trade union consultation and negotiation across complex, large-scale workforce change. This is a high-impact role at the heart of workforce transformation, working across multiple organisations and bargaining units. You will advise senior leaders, shape negotiation strategies and build effective relationships with trade unions to support the delivery of significant organisational change.
If you have strong experience of collective consultation, trade union engagement and advising on complex transformation — whether in the public sector, NHS, local government or a highly unionised private-sector environment — we would welcome your application.
The role
- Lead and coordinate trade union consultation and negotiation activity linked to workforce transformation across the Defra group.
- Shape negotiation strategies and advise senior leaders through complex and sensitive ER challenges.
- Ensure consultation activity is effective, consistent and compliant with trade union framework agreements and statutory requirements.
- Anticipate and prepare for changes to trade union legislation, including requirements arising from the Employment Rights Act 2025.
- Facilitate and chair trade union meetings where required, ensuring constructive and professional engagement.
- Work closely with transformation teams to design clear consultation approaches, materials and timelines.
- Maintain clear records and audit trails of consultation activity and outcomes.
- Build trusted relationships with trade union representatives, business leaders and project teams.
- Provide specialist advice on trade union recognition, consultation and negotiation.
About you
- Significant experience leading trade union consultation and managing complex union relationships at organisational or departmental level.
- A strong track record of advising on large-scale change, restructures or transformation programmes.
- Experience gained in an Employee Relations role, or as an HR Business Partner with substantial responsibility for trade union engagement.
- In-depth knowledge of UK employment law, particularly trade union legislation.
- Strong negotiation, facilitation and influencing skills, with confidence operating at senior levels.
- The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, politically aware and evolving environment.
- MCIPD, a Level 7 qualification, or equivalent professional experience.
Why this role?
- High-profile, complex ER challenges with real organisational impact.
- Direct access to senior decision-makers.
- A visible role shaping how workforce change is delivered.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Open to candidates from outside central government.
Alongside your salary of £56,375, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs contributes £16,331 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role.
- An environment with flexible working options.
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
Employee Relations Lead employer: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Contact Detail:
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work in employee relations or trade unions. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its recent workforce changes. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help them navigate these issues. Tailor your responses to show you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their specific needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves trade union engagement, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to handle complex discussions. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to keep track of your application status!
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in trade union engagement and workforce transformation. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Employee Relations Lead role.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use concrete examples of how you've led trade union consultations or managed complex relationships. This will help us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This makes it easier for us to understand your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and is considered promptly. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
✨Know Your Trade Union Landscape
Before the interview, brush up on the key trade unions relevant to the public sector and their recent activities. Understanding their priorities and concerns will help you engage in meaningful discussions and demonstrate your expertise in trade union engagement.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Think about potential complex Employee Relations challenges that may arise during workforce transformation. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated similar situations, showcasing your negotiation and influencing skills.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you would shape negotiation strategies for large-scale changes. Highlight your ability to advise senior leaders and provide insights into how you can build effective relationships with trade unions to support organisational change.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Employment Law
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in UK employment law, especially regarding trade union legislation. Being able to discuss these changes confidently will show that you're proactive and well-informed, which is crucial for this role.