Are you a confident and experienced Industrial Relations (IR) professional ready to take on a pivotal standalone role? Hays is looking for someone who can shape and lead their clients' IR strategy, ensuring they remain proactive, progressive, and aligned with the evolving needs of their workforce.
About the RoleThis is a unique opportunity to provide expert guidance to HR and the wider business on all matters relating to industrial relations. You'll be the go to advisor on collective and local agreements, consultations, and negotiations playing a key role in shaping a positive and forward thinking industrial relations culture.
The role is remote based, but you will be required to travel across the UK to the local sites.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and lead the organisation's Industrial Relations strategy in line with HR and business goals.
* Act as the lead advisor on collective agreements, consultations, and local negotiations.
* Set the framework and standards for IR practices across HR Business Partners and operational leaders.
* Build capability across the business by upskilling managers in effective employee and industrial relations.
* Provide technical expertise and guidance on IR matters.
* Establish and maintain strong, constructive relationships with trade unions both formally and informally.
* Lead negotiations on pay, working conditions, collective agreements, and policy development.
* Partner with unions to support organisational change and continuous improvement.
* Ensure compliance with employment law and proactively monitor legislative changes.
* Lead dispute resolution strategies, including mediation and arbitration.
* Build and maintain a central SharePoint hub for IR policies, processes, and guidance.
* Confidently manage and operate effectively in complex, fast paced environments.
* Provide leadership in managing industrial action, including understanding ballot and voting processes.
* Providing knowledge of IR to the business partners.
What we are looking for
* Proven experience in a senior industrial relations role, ideally in a complex or unionised environment.
* Strong negotiation skills and a deep understanding of employment law and collective bargaining processes.
* Ability to build trust and credibility with both internal stakeholders and trade union representatives.
* Comfortable working with limited background information and navigating ambiguity.
* A proactive, solutions focused mindset with the confidence to influence at senior levels.
In return you will receive
* A competitive salary
* Remote working with travel across the UK (travel costs are covered)
* 25 days annual leave + bank holiday (purchase additional leave)
* 10% discretionary bonus
* Income Protection
* Pension
* Private Medical
* Retail discount
* Life Insurance
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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