Head of HR / Industrial Relations Lead
12 Month FTC or 6 - 9 month contract
A confidential organisation in the industrial/manufacturing sector is seeking a Head of HR / Industrial Relations Lead to support a large-scale multi-site change programme.
The role requires a highly experienced individual with deep expertise in industrial relations, union negotiation, and site transformation, capable of operating at pace and with credibility in a unionised environment.
Key Responsibilities for this Head of HR Role:
Lead the people stream of a complex, multi-site change programme
Manage industrial relations strategy including engagement with Unite and union representatives
Support site closure, disposal, and transition processes, ensuring all people-related aspects are delivered effectively
Lead and manage TUPE transfers, restructuring, and redundancy processes
Develop and implement target operating models across affected sites
Provide data-driven HR insight and justification to support business decisions
Prepare and lead consultation meetings, ensuring full compliance and strong stakeholder engagement
Partner with operations, legal, and leadership teams across the programme
Conduct site visits to support delivery and engagement activities
Ensure all activity is aligned to UK employment law and best practice
What Were Looking for this Head of HR Role:
Significant experience in industrial relations within a unionised manufacturing environment
Proven track record of leading site closures, disposals, or large-scale restructuring programmes
Strong experience negotiating with unions
Extensive hands-on experience with TUPE, consultation processes, and organisational change
Experience operating across multi-site environments
Strong commercial and data-driven mindset, able to support decision-making with robust justification
Confident working at Head of HR / senior leadership level
Able to work autonomously in a fast-paced, time-sensitive programme
Working Arrangementsfor this Head of HR Role:
Home-based with planned travel to sites
Standard hours: Monday Friday (37.5 hours)
Initial contract: 12 months (potential to extend)
Interviews:
Stage 1: Teams
Stage 2: Teams or on-site
Click Apply, or contact Jamie Garcia - Courtice for more info:
Thank you for your application. Due to the volume of applications, we cannot respond to everyone personally. If you haven't heard back within 5 working days, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. To view other vacancies, please visit our website.
Ref: INDMAN
TPBN1_UKTJ