At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead employee relations and manage trade union negotiations to resolve disputes.
- Company: Tower Hamlets Council, committed to fair and effective employee relations.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate of £550, flexible work pattern, and impactful role.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic public-sector environment with significant career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in employee relations while shaping organisational change.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in trade union negotiations and employee relations required.
Work Pattern
2 to 3 days a week in the office, 35 hours per week
PAYE Pay Rate
Main Purpose of the Role
To lead and improve employee and industrial relations across Tower Hamlets Council, with a particular focus on managing trade union relationships, negotiations and resolving long-standing disputes.
The role will provide expert ER advice, lead complex employee relations cases, support organisational change and ensure consultation and negotiations are handled fairly, consistently and in line with employment legislation, council policies and ACAS guidance.
- Typical Day Overview
- Leading meetings and negotiations with trade union representatives.
- Managing and resolving complex employee relations disputes.
- Advising senior managers and HR teams on employee relations matters.
- Supporting organisational restructures, transformation and consultation programmes.
- Developing ER procedures, workflows and standard operating processes.
- Working with legal teams to resolve sensitive workforce issues.
- Monitoring employee relations risks and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Building positive relationships with trade unions and senior stakeholders.
- Key Skills & Responsibilities
- Trade Union Negotiation – Extensive experience negotiating with trade unions and resolving disputes.
- Employee & Industrial Relations – Strong experience managing complex ER cases within large organisations.
- Employment Law – Strong knowledge of employment legislation, ACAS codes and collective consultation.
- Organisational Change – Experience supporting restructures, workforce transformation and formal consultation.
- Conflict Resolution – Ability to manage challenging situations and reach practical solutions.
- Stakeholder Management – Confident working with senior leaders, HR teams, legal representatives and trade unions.
- ER Strategy & Improvement – Developing policies, procedures, workflows and consistent ER processes.
- Risk Management – Identifying and managing employee relations and industrial relations risks.
- Communication & Influencing – Strong communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
- Political Awareness – Ability to operate confidently in sensitive and politically complex environments.
Essential Qualifications & Requirements
- Significant experience leading and managing trade union relationships.
- Proven track record as a trade union negotiator, particularly resolving disputes and reaching agreements.
- Extensive employee relations or industrial relations experience.
- Experience working within local government or a large public-sector organisation.
- Strong understanding of employment law, trade union legislation and collective consultation.
- Experience leading formal trade union negotiations and consultation processes.
- Experience managing complex and high‑profile employee relations cases.
- Proven ability to advise senior management on sensitive workforce matters.
- Experience supporting organisational restructuring and transformation.
- Excellent negotiation, influencing and conflict‑resolution skills.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
OR120973 – ER Lead – Trade Union Relations (Grade O) – Interims in London employer: London Borough of Tower Hamlets
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises professional development and community impact. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to training opportunities through the Learning Academy, while working collaboratively within a supportive team dedicated to enhancing youth justice services. Located in the vibrant area of Whitechapel, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful difference but also fosters a culture of inclusivity and innovation.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Tower Hamlets Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land OR120973 – ER Lead – Trade Union Relations (Grade O) – Interims in London
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
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✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at London Borough of Tower Hamlets and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace OR120973 – ER Lead – Trade Union Relations (Grade O) – Interims in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at London Borough of Tower Hamlets. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Tower Hamlets
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at London Borough of Tower Hamlets, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that London Borough of Tower Hamlets uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
