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, private healthcare, and discounts at over 800 retailers.
- Other info: Applications will be reviewed after 22nd June due to annual leave.
- Why this job: Shape the future of employee relations and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: CIPD qualified with substantial experience in unionised employee relations and project management.
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.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- 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.
Benefits
- 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.
- Private Healthcare.
- 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
As a leading employer in the railway sector, we offer an exceptional work environment for our Head of Industrial Relations, characterised by a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and professional growth. Our comprehensive benefits package includes a defined benefit pension, free travel for you and your family, and access to private healthcare, ensuring that our employees feel valued and supported. With a culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation, you will have the opportunity to shape our industrial relations strategy while working alongside dedicated professionals in a dynamic and rewarding setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Industrial Relations in Birmingham
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks who work in industrial relations. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in unionised environments. Share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated disputes or improved employee relations – it’ll show you mean business!
✨Be Proactive
Don’t wait for job openings to pop up! Reach out to companies you admire and express your interest in their industrial relations strategies. Sometimes, creating a connection can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Apply Through Our Website
If you see a role that fits, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Industrial Relations in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Industrial Relations role. Highlight your experience in unionised environments and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed industrial relations and built strong partnerships with trade unions.
Showcase Your Strategy Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to develop and implement effective employee relations strategies. We’re looking for someone who can lead and innovate, so don’t hold back on sharing your successes in this area!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our hiring team!
How to prepare for a job interview at WM Trains
✨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 negotiations in the past. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory, but you’ve got real-world experience to back it up.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Industrial Relations, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to resolve conflicts and maintain strong relationships, as this is key to the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to conflict resolution or negotiations. Think through your approach to these scenarios beforehand, and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street. Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their current challenges in industrial relations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps build a connection, making you a memorable candidate.
