At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and deliver effective industrial relations strategies across diverse operations.
- Company: Join Serco, a company committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, and health benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid working with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on role with operational leaders and trade unions.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent HR experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 € per year.
Serco UK&E is looking for an experienced Industrial Relations (IR) Partner to help shape and deliver a consistent, constructive, and compliant approach to industrial relations across our diverse operations. Working within our Employee Relations (ER) team, you’ll play a key role in supporting collective consultation, trade union engagement, and workforce change activity across all business units. This is a hands‑on, relationship‑driven role where you’ll partner closely with operational leaders, HR teams, and recognised trade unions to promote early engagement, reduce risk, and support well‑managed business change. You’ll also contribute to the development of IR tools, policies, and guidance that strengthen our capability and ensure alignment with legislation and best practice.
Key Responsibilities
- Advisory Support
- Support collective consultation, trade union engagement, and formal bargaining.
- Prepare negotiation materials, record actions, and document outcomes.
- Act as a central contact for IR queries and maintain accurate consultation records.
- Advise leaders on complex IR matters and elevate emerging risks.
- Deliver IR training and share lessons learned to improve practice.
- Trade Union Engagement
- Build strong relationships with recognised trade unions and employee forums.
- Support national and regional union meetings and consultation events.
- Promote consistent, best‑practice IR approaches across all business areas.
- Share insight and emerging risks to strengthen organisational IR capability.
- Collective Bargaining & Agreements
- Support annual pay reviews and collective bargaining activity.
- Maintain IR toolkits, templates, and training materials.
- Ensure IR considerations are reflected in policies and guidance.
- Keep collective agreements up to date and aligned with workforce strategy.
- Maintain a central IR repository and lead on data quality improvements.
- Change & Compliance
- Support compliant workforce change activity in partnership with ER.
- Monitor legislative and labour market developments and advise on impacts.
- Translate legal changes into policy updates and practical guidance.
- Act as an IR subject matter expert for leaders and HR teams.
What You’ll Bring
- CIPD Level 5 or equivalent HR/ER experience.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
- Hands‑on, collaborative approach with confidence working in complex environments.
- Solid understanding of industrial relations, collective consultation, and employment legislation.
- Ability to develop practical tools, templates, and guidance for managers.
- Strong employment law knowledge and its application in large organisations.
- A problem‑solving mindset with sound judgement and a values‑led approach.
- Commitment to honesty, respect, compassion, and inclusive working.
What We Offer
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Annual leave purchase scheme.
- Up to 6% contributory pension scheme.
- Ongoing CPD support (minimum 20 hours annually in line with RICS requirements).
- Serco discounts which include cinema, merlin entertainment and online shopping discounts, and discounts on mobile phone plans and leisure centre memberships.
- A range of benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, Health Cash Plans, free flu jabs and more.
- A company passionate about diversity and inclusion.
We are open to applications from a diverse candidate pool and operate a hybrid work structure. We are proudly Disability Confident Leader employers and holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.
Industrial Relations Partner employer: Serco
Serco UK&E is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including generous annual leave, pension contributions, and ongoing professional development support. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, Serco fosters a collaborative work culture where employees can thrive in a hybrid working environment while engaging with trade unions and operational leaders to drive meaningful change across the organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Industrial Relations Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Serco. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Serco’s approach to industrial relations and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Practice common interview questions and have some examples ready that showcase your skills in building relationships and managing change.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! When you get the chance to meet with hiring managers or team members, let your passion for industrial relations shine through. Be genuine and express why you’re excited about the role and how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Serco team. So, hit that apply button and let’s get you on the path to landing that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Industrial Relations Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Industrial Relations Partner role. Highlight your relevant experience in industrial relations, collective consultation, and any specific achievements that align with what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills shine through. Use examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've successfully engaged with trade unions or managed complex IR matters.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Know Your Industrial Relations Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of industrial relations, collective consultation, and employment legislation. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description, as this will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Build Relationships Before You Walk In
Since this role is all about relationship-building, try to connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. This can give you insights into the company culture and help you understand what they value in an IR Partner, which you can mention during your interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific IR situations, such as negotiating with trade unions or managing workforce changes. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated similar challenges, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires a hands-on, collaborative approach, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively with HR teams, operational leaders, and trade unions in the past. Highlight your interpersonal skills and any training you've delivered, as this will demonstrate your ability to engage and support others.
