Industrial Relations Lead

Job Description

Overview

We are supporting a local authority in the appointment of an experienced Interim Industrial Relations Lead to provide strategic leadership and hands-on delivery across a complex employee relations landscape.This is a high-impact role requiring a confident and credible professional who can operate at pace, manage sensitive workforce issues, and lead engagement with trade unions at a senior level.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on all industrial relations activity, acting as the senior point of contact for trade unions and workforce representatives
• Manage and resolve collective disputes, consultations, and negotiations
• Provide expert advice to senior leadership on employee relations strategy and risk
• Support and lead on organisational change programmes, including restructures and service transformation
• Develop and implement IR strategies to maintain stable workforce relations
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and local government frameworks
• Coach and support HR colleagues and managers on complex ER/IR matters

About You

• Proven track record in a senior Industrial Relations / Employee Relations leadership role, ideally within the public sector or local government
• Extensive experience working with trade unions, including negotiations and dispute resolution
• Strong understanding of UK employment law and local authority governance
• Able to operate both strategically and operationally in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at senior level
• Resilient, pragmatic, and able to manage highly sensitive situations

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