Head of Industrial Relations (Strategic SME)
Location: London (Hybrid – 2 days per week onsite)
Type: Permanent
Salary: Up to £120,000 + comprehensive benefits package
We are excited to be engaged exclusively on the search for a highly experienced Industrial Relations and Policy specialist to take ownership of all aspects of collective engagement, workforce policy and employee relations strategy for one of our highly regulated clients based in London.
This is a high-impact individual contributor role, ideal for a senior specialist who thrives in navigating complex organisational dynamics, regulatory requirements and trade union relationships. You will be instrumental in developing and embedding a forward-thinking IR strategy across a complex, multi-site environment.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Act as the strategic lead for Industrial Relations, building and maintaining effective partnerships with Trade Unions and employee representatives
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, bridging the gap between executive decision-making and HR delivery
- Lead collective consultations on pay, terms and conditions, and organisational change
- Provide expert guidance on collectively bargained agreements, operational practices, and workforce strategy
- Review and modernise workplace policies to ensure they are legally compliant, consistent, and aligned to organisational goals
- Manage complex dispute resolution
The successful candidate will have:
- A proven track record in a dedicated Industrial Relations or senior HR Policy role
- Strong experience within multi-union environments, including leading collective bargaining processes
- CIPD qualification (or equivalent experience in HR, IR, or Employment Law)
- Demonstrable experience implementing complex people policies across large, multi-site organisations
- Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with confidence engaging at Executive level
- Comfortable operating as a standalone subject matter expert, balancing strategic oversight with operational delivery