Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead union negotiations and pay discussions, influencing key stakeholders.
- Company: Join a major UK organisation in a complex, unionised environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with senior leadership support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national IR strategy and employee outcomes.
- Qualifications: Experience in pay negotiations and union consultations is essential.
- Other info: This is a 12-month fixed-term contract starting mid-May 2025.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Job Opportunity: Employee Relations & Pay Negotiations Lead (12-Month FTC)
Location: Hybrid (with increased in-person presence during key phases)
Contract Type: 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract
Salary: £75,000–£90,000 (flexible for the right candidate)
Start Date: Mid-May 2025
Join a National Organisation at a Crucial Time
A major UK-based organisation in a highly unionised, operationally complex environment is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Lead to take charge of union negotiations and pay talks over the course of a critical 12-month period. With the interim HR leadership focused on wider organisational priorities, this role will operate with full senior backing to own and lead all aspects of employee consultation and collective bargaining activity.
The Role: Key Responsibilities
- Lead all phases of union negotiations and pay discussions, from scoping and prep through to agreement and implementation.
- Act as the senior voice at the table, influencing union representatives and full-time officers directly.
- Drive strategic planning and risk analysis ahead of each negotiation phase, working closely with HR, Finance, and operational leadership.
- Provide legal and procedural guidance on TUPE, redundancy, and employment law matters.
- Build credibility with internal stakeholders, coaching them through complex IR landscapes.
- Adapt to fast-changing dynamics while holding a steady line in high-conflict, high-stakes settings.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Experience: Demonstrated success as the lead negotiator in pay talks and union consultations. Background in unionised sectors such as transport, manufacturing, logistics, or heavy industry. Working knowledge of UK employment law, redundancy procedures, and collective bargaining agreements. Comfortable working with unions – Must have extensive experience pay negotiation background with union.
- Attributes: Assertive, composed, and credible under pressure. Hands-on and strategically minded, able to plan and execute independently. Strong communicator and relationship-builder — calm in conflict, clear in ambiguity. Not reliant on large team structures — thrives in lean, agile environments.
Key Dates
- Hiring Deadline: Within 4 weeks
- Onboarding: Late May
- First Pay Talks Launch: Early June
Why This Role?
While this is a fixed-term position, it’s a pivotal one — with the potential to influence national-level IR strategy and deliver meaningful outcomes for both management and employee groups. You’ll have full ownership of your brief, with senior leadership support and the autonomy to lead from the front.
Employee Relations Manager - Pay Talks & Negotiations employer: Practicus
Contact Detail:
Practicus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Manager - Pay Talks & Negotiations
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific union dynamics and historical context of the organisation you're applying to. Understanding past negotiations and current employee sentiments can give you a significant edge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in similar roles or industries, especially those who have experience in unionised environments. They can provide insights and tips that are invaluable for your approach to negotiations.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends in employment law and collective bargaining agreements. This knowledge will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your negotiation strategies and past successes in similar roles. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex situations and built relationships with unions, as this will highlight your suitability for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Manager - Pay Talks & Negotiations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in employee relations, particularly in union negotiations and pay talks. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success as a lead negotiator in similar environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Explain how your background in unionised sectors and knowledge of UK employment law make you the ideal candidate for this role.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your assertiveness, composure under pressure, and strategic planning abilities. Provide examples of how you've successfully navigated high-stakes negotiations and built relationships with stakeholders.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents to eliminate any errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Practicus
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Experience
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of your past experiences in union negotiations and pay talks. Highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes achieved to demonstrate your capability as a lead negotiator.
✨Understand Employment Law
Brush up on UK employment law, redundancy procedures, and collective bargaining agreements. Being knowledgeable in these areas will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you are well-prepared for the complexities of the role.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you approach strategic planning and risk analysis in negotiations. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated high-stakes situations and adapted to changing dynamics while maintaining a steady line.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since this role involves significant interaction with various stakeholders, focus on building rapport during the interview. Show your strong communication skills and ability to remain calm under pressure, which are essential for influencing union representatives.
