HEAD OF UNION RELATIONSHIPS
West Midlands / South East | 37.5 hours Per Week (Hybrid) | Permanent
We’re looking for an experienced and strategic Head of Union Relationships to lead our trade union engagement and shape the future of industrial relations at ISS UK & Ireland.
This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of union strategy in a complex, high-profile environment.
What you’ll do:
* Develop and implement UK-wide and segment-specific industrial relations strategies
* Act as the primary contact for trade unions, leading on collective bargaining, pay and recognition agreements
* Manage industrial disputes through negotiation, mediation and risk mitigation
* Advise and upskill managers and P&C Business Partners to strengthen union relations capability
* Provide expert insights on labour relations trends, risks, and opportunities
* Support TUPE and bid processes with specialist advice
* Build strong, productive relationships with unions, clients and representative bodies
About You:
* Extensive experience in trade union/industrial relations within a complex, unionised environment (outsourcing advantageous)
* Proven success leading union strategy and pay negotiations at senior level
* Demonstrable knowledge of employment/labour law and collective agreements
* Skilled in conflict resolution and positive industrial relations management
* Excellent stakeholder management and influencing ability
* CIPD Level 5 or part-qualified Employment Law Solicitor preferred
* Comfortable with regular travel to ISS offices/client sites/to meet with unions
This role offers senior influence, visibility, and progression potential – ideal for a forward-thinking professional ready to drive meaningful change in how we engage with unions and representative bodies.
At ISS, we connect people and places to make the world work better. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Committed (Level 2) employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Contact: resourcing.team@uk.issworld.com