At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead industrial relations, manage HR teams, and resolve conflicts to enhance workplace productivity.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on strong employee and trade union relationships.
- Benefits: Enjoy a top pension, free travel, discounts, and a 24/7 virtual GP service.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of employee relations and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in unionised settings and a degree with CIPD qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We're looking for a Head of Industrial Relations to lead all industrial, employee and trade union relations across the business. Managing a team of HR professionals, you'll help us take a proactive approach to handling disputes, resolving conflict and maintaining strong working relationships to enable the organisation to operate effectively. You'll shape our Industrial Relations strategy, build strong partnerships with our trade unions, and provide clear, confident advice to directors and managers to support the consistent application of our policies and procedures.
Working closely with our Operations, Engineering and Customer Experience teams, you'll lead key projects that modernise ways of working, remove restrictive practices and create opportunities for greater productivity and improvement. We're looking for someone with senior‐level experience in a unionised environment, who can demonstrate a strong track record in developing, negotiating and delivering effective employee relations strategies.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the delivery of the ER/IR strategy, preparing Executive papers on working practices, productivity, pay negotiations and organisational change.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with all trade unions, resolving issues and anticipating areas of potential conflict.
- Provide expert ER advice to directors and managers, ensuring consistent application of policies, procedures and collective agreements.
- Oversee employment legislation compliance, liaise with legal advisors and support the employment tribunal process.
- Manage absence, welfare and attendance processes, supporting managers with sickness, capability and organisational change matters.
- Lead conflict resolution and industrial dispute management while coordinating clear communication of company policies to trade unions.
- Degree in relevant discipline and CIPD qualified.
- Substantial experience in an active unionised employee relations environment.
- Experience in project management with a proven track record of delivering on objectives.
- Experience of developing and implementing negotiating strategies and plans.
- Experience of being able to position a proposal such that it secures acceptance.
- Knowledge and understanding of employment law and industrial relations law.
- Exposure to an environment in which trade unions are well organised.
A defined benefit pension from day 1 – one of the best in the UK. Free travel on all London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway services for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents. 75% off all other train operating companies for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents. 8 Friends and Family Day passes to gift per annum on our network. A 24/7 Virtual GP service for you and your household. Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - A confidential employee benefit that supports you with personal or work-related issues affecting your home life, work life, health, or wellbeing. Our cycle to work scheme with Evans Cycles. A retail discount portal - offering savings, discounts and cashback at over 800 retailers and restaurants.
Head of Industrial Relations in Birmingham employer: WM Trains Limited
As a leading employer in the railway sector, we offer an exceptional work environment for our Head of Industrial Relations role, characterised by a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and professional growth. Our culture fosters collaboration and innovation, with extensive benefits including a defined benefit pension, free travel for you and your family, and access to a 24/7 Virtual GP service. Join us to shape our industrial relations strategy while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values your expertise and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Industrial Relations in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We recommend practising common interview questions and having a few of your own ready. Show them you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
✨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, we often have exclusive roles listed there that you won’t find anywhere else.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Industrial Relations in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in industrial relations. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead and resolve conflicts. Use numbers and examples where possible – we love a good success story!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key messages shine through. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly 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!
How to prepare for a job interview at WM Trains Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of employment law and industrial relations. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex union environments in the past, as this will show your expertise and confidence in handling similar situations.
✨Build Rapport with the Interviewers
Since you'll be working closely with various teams, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to build relationships. Use the interview to connect with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their experiences and sharing relevant anecdotes from your own career.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your approach to developing and implementing effective employee relations strategies. Bring examples of past projects where you've successfully led change or resolved conflicts, highlighting your project management skills and ability to deliver results.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your conflict resolution skills. Think through potential challenges you might encounter in the role and prepare structured responses that outline your thought process and the steps you would take to resolve issues.
