At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the industrial relations strategy and engage with trade unions effectively.
- Company: Join Post Office Ltd, a vital part of UK communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27.5 days leave, performance incentives, and comprehensive support.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and grow in an inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping workplace culture and employee relations.
- Qualifications: Experience in industrial relations and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
As an Industrial Relations Lead, you will join us on our journey and undertake a valuable role reporting to the Head of Partnering - Revenue, Tech, Transformation & IR. The Industrial Relations Lead is a key member of the People Team, responsible for leading the organisation’s industrial relations (IR) strategy and ensuring effective, consistent and constructive engagement with recognised trade unions.
Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, the role will provide expert guidance on complex employee relations matters, collective negotiations and dispute resolution, ensuring alignment to business priorities while maintaining positive and productive union relationships. The Industrial Relations Lead will drive a proactive, insight-led IR approach that supports delivery of the Post Office people strategy, promotes colleague engagement, and ensures organisational risk is effectively managed. They will role model Post Office behaviours and demonstrate a Postmaster-first mindset.
What we can do for you: Beyond a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- 27.5 days annual leave that increases with tenure
- Up to 18% individual performance based – incentive scheme
- Life assurance
- Full support from our employee assistance programme and access to our employee benefits platform
- Ever-evolving learning and development opportunities
Our commitment to embracing diversity extends beyond just words. We actively foster an inclusive workplace that values the unique perspectives and contributions from all colleagues. We hold the belief that Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are not just vital but fundamental to our success and growth. Our priority lies in shaping a business that mirrors the diverse communities we reach, truly making Post Office 'Everybody's Business'. As an equal opportunity employer, we value and celebrate the differences among our people, ensuring that our practices reflect our dedication to inclusivity and equal representation for all.
What you’ll need to succeed:
- Substantial experience in establishing successful, cross-functional, stakeholder relationships.
- Demonstrable experience of delivering projects to achieve key objectives.
- Significant Industrial Relations experience within a large, complex and unionised organisation.
- Proven track record of leading trade union negotiations and managing collective relationships.
- Strong expertise in UK employment law, consultation processes and dispute resolution.
- Experience of supporting business transformation and organisational change in an IR context.
- Highly credible with the ability to influence and coach senior stakeholders.
- Strong analytical capability, using data to inform decisions and insight.
- Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
Skills and Capabilities:
- An enabler who can speak with knowledge and confidence in their subject matter, guiding their team to success.
- Excellent influencing and communication skills with the ability to utilise a range of techniques to deliver messages effectively, make an impact, and drive a successful outcome.
- Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders and leaders to build support for functional plans and activity.
- Acts as an expert advisor, applying advanced knowledge of their own specialism as well as broad knowledge of related areas.
- Strong commercial business acumen and ability to make data-driven business decisions.
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to upholding the values and principles of Post Office.
About us: At Post Office Ltd, we’re proud to be at the heart of communities across the UK, upheld by the dedication and service of our postmasters. We offer essential services that people rely on every day, from parcels and banking to identity and government services. While we continue to evolve with digital innovation, our commitment to personal, face-to-face service remains core to who we are.
Our journey is one of reflection, growth, and meaningful change. We’re looking for people who think differently. Those with resilience, purpose, and a deep sense of responsibility to our postmasters, partners and the communities they serve. If you're driven by the chance to make a real impact and help shape a future built on progress and integrity, we’d love to hear from you.
Application Guidance: Our commitment to embracing diversity extends beyond just words. While we’ve outlined key skills above, we recognise that great candidates come from a variety of backgrounds. We value diverse perspectives and are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we recognise the value people with disabilities can bring to our business. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process or would like further details on the job description, please contact talentacquisition@postoffice.co.uk.
We’re thrilled by your interest in this opportunity and truly value every application we receive. Please note the advert may close early if we receive a high volume of applications. Unfortunately, we’re unable to provide individual feedback on all submissions.
Industrial Relations Lead employer: Post Office Ltd
At Post Office Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and performance-based incentives. Our inclusive work culture fosters diversity and personal growth, ensuring that every employee has the opportunity to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve across London and beyond.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Industrial Relations Lead
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Post Office Ltd!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Post Office Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Industrial Relations Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Post Office Ltd. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Post Office Ltd and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Post Office Ltd. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Post Office Ltd's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Post Office Ltd
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Post Office Ltd.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Post Office Ltd will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Post Office Ltd and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
