Job Description
Industrial Relations Professional
Location: Suffolk (4 days per week on-site)
Salary: Circa £55,000 plus bonus and a comprehensive benefits package
Full time, permanent
About the role
We are supporting a major UK infrastructure programme in the appointment of an Industrial Relations Professional within its Employment Affairs function. This is an opportunity to work at the heart of a complex, high‑profile environment, helping to maintain a stable, collaborative industrial relations landscape across a large and varied workforce.
Working closely with the Industrial Relations Manager and key delivery partners, you will help ensure that collective agreements are applied consistently, support the resolution of issues at an early stage, and contribute to a constructive framework that enables successful project delivery.
This role will appeal to someone with strong IR or ER experience who enjoys working with multiple stakeholders, building trust, and operating in a setting where effective industrial relations have a genuine impact on outcomes.
More about the role:
* Support the implementation of the project’s industrial relations strategy
* Help ensure consistent application of collective and construction agreements, identifying risks and supporting timely resolution
* Deliver IR-related projects, including training materials, guidance and workforce standards documentation
* Provide practical advice on employment law fundamentals and IR best practice
* Work with contractor IR teams to identify emerging issues and support proactive management
* Contribute to reporting, audits and compliance processes
* Manage day-to-day relationships with local, regional and national trade unions
More about you:
* Experience in industrial relations or employee relations within a large or complex organisation
* Good understanding of trade union structures and employment law basics
* Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
* Experience of conflict resolution and handling routine grievances
* Good judgement, resilience and the ability to prioritise
* CIPD qualification or equivalent
* Experience supporting large-scale change programmes
* Experience within construction, engineering or industrial settings
Why this role:
This is a rare opportunity to contribute to a nationally important programme where industrial relations play a critical role in the smooth delivery of a major development. The scale, complexity and multi-stakeholder nature of the project provide an environment where you can deepen your expertise and make a meaningful impact.