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- Tasks: Manage industrial relations for a major infrastructure project, ensuring collaboration and stability.
- Company: Join a leading firm involved in one of the UK's most complex construction programmes.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-profile project that makes a real impact on the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in industrial relations, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of employment law required.
- Other info: CIPD qualification is a plus; ideal for those passionate about workforce governance.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Industrial Relations Manager to provide strategic and operational support on a major infrastructure project based in Suffolk. This is a key role for driving harmonious industrial relations across contractors, trade unions, and internal teams—ensuring alignment, productivity, and workforce stability across all parties. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to one of the UK’s most complex and high-profile construction programmes, supporting its successful delivery through effective engagement and workforce governance.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with contractors, trade unions, and internal stakeholders to foster a stable and collaborative IR environment.
- Provide oversight and guidance on the implementation of transitional arrangements, workforce agreements, and minimum standards across the project.
- Lead the development and governance of an IR operating manual, housing key documentation, policies, and agreements.
- Oversee collaboration between contractor IR teams to reduce the risk of disputes and support project stability.
- Implement audit and assurance measures to ensure compliance with workforce terms and conditions.
- Support operational and strategic leadership teams in maintaining strong tripartite governance structures.
- Drive early resolution of issues at operational level through collaborative IR practice.
- Lead IR training initiatives across teams to ensure consistent understanding and application of agreements.
- Manage relationships with local, regional, and national trade unions to ensure alignment and partnership working.
- Provide accurate reporting and insights to support workforce planning and stakeholder engagement.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in industrial relations within large-scale infrastructure or construction projects.
- Strong understanding of employment law, trade union frameworks, and HR/IR best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and build relationships with senior stakeholders.
- Extensive experience in pay negotiations, working arrangements, and dispute resolution.
- Skilled in balancing operational delivery with strategic IR governance.
- Experience working with a diverse and transient workforce.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Desirable
- CIPD qualification (or equivalent experience).
- Experience managing large-scale change programmes.
Contact Detail:
Venesky Brown Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Industrial Relations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the industrial relations field, especially those who have experience in large-scale infrastructure projects. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in the sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific contractors and trade unions involved in the project. Understanding their priorities and concerns will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your commitment to fostering a collaborative environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on employment law and best practices in industrial relations. This knowledge will not only enhance your credibility but also equip you with the tools needed to navigate complex negotiations and disputes effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your negotiation and problem-solving skills during interviews. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully resolved conflicts or built strong relationships with stakeholders, as these will be crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Industrial Relations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in industrial relations, particularly within large-scale infrastructure or construction projects. Use specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of employment law and trade union frameworks.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the project. Discuss how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as fostering collaborative relationships and managing disputes.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your achievements in pay negotiations, workforce agreements, and dispute resolution. Use metrics where possible to showcase your impact on previous projects.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in an Industrial Relations Manager role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Venesky Brown
✨Know Your Industrial Relations Fundamentals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of employment law, trade union frameworks, and HR best practices. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you understand the complexities of industrial relations in large-scale projects.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships with contractors, trade unions, and internal stakeholders in the past. This role requires strong interpersonal skills, so showcasing your ability to foster collaboration will be key.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience with pay negotiations and dispute resolution. Highlight specific instances where you’ve navigated challenging discussions and reached successful outcomes, as this will demonstrate your capability in managing complex IR situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think about potential challenges you might encounter in this role and how you would approach resolving them, particularly in a collaborative manner.