At a Glance
- 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, multi-site travel, and the chance to shape organisational change.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic, high-pressure environment.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € 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.
Industrial Relations Specialist UK Wide / Multi-Site Travel Required 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract or Interim Day Rate Opportunity (Inside IR35)
Industrial Relations Specialist in Peterborough employer: Frey Consulting Group
As an Industrial Relations Specialist with our major UK operational business, you will thrive in a dynamic environment that values expertise and innovation. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning and development opportunities, alongside competitive benefits tailored to enhance your work-life balance. Join us in making a meaningful impact during a significant transformation programme, where your skills in union engagement and organisational change will be pivotal to our success across multiple sites.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Industrial Relations Specialist in Peterborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent changes and challenges. We want you to show that you’re not just interested in the role but also invested in their success. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Given the focus on union engagement, we suggest role-playing potential scenarios with a friend or mentor. This will help you feel more confident when discussing complex issues during interviews.
✨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 take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Industrial Relations Specialist 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, so don’t be shy about showcasing your expertise!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. We love seeing candidates who can articulate their experience with union negotiations and complex workforce changes clearly and confidently.
Showcase Relevant Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage industrial relations effectively. We’re looking for examples of successful negotiations or restructuring initiatives that had a positive impact on the organisation.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Frey Consulting Group
✨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 show that you're not just familiar with the theory but also the practicalities of union engagement.
✨Demonstrate 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 demonstrate your expertise and reassure the interviewers of your capability to navigate legal complexities.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
This role requires a calm and credible presence, especially in high-pressure situations. Be prepared to discuss how you've built trust with stakeholders and managed conflicts in the past. Highlighting your communication and negotiation skills will be key to making a strong impression.
