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 We’re 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 Arrangements for 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:
o o Stage 1: Teams
o Stage 2: Teams or on-site
Click Apply, or contact Jamie Garcia - Courtice for more info: Jamie.garciacourtice@orion-group.co.uk
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