Industrial Relations (IR) Advisor

As the Industrial Relations (IR) Advisor, you will help shape and deliver a consistent, constructive, and compliant approach to industrial relations across our client's diverse UK operations.

Working within our Employee Relations (ER) team, you'll play a key role in supporting collective consultation, trade union engagement, and workforce change activity across all business units.

Offered a a 12-month FTC, primarily remote role.

Client Details

Our client a multi-national public service provider that manages and operates essential services for governments worldwide.

Description

Our client is looking for an experienced Industrial Relations (IR) Advisor to help shape and deliver a consistent, constructive, and compliant approach to industrial relations across our diverse operations. Working within our Employee Relations (ER) team, you'll play a key role in supporting collective consultation, trade union engagement, and workforce change activity across all business units.

Supporting the Senior People Partners and the Contract Managers, this is a hands-on, relationship‑driven role where you'll partner closely with operational leaders, HR teams, and recognised trade unions to promote early engagement, reduce risk, and support well‑managed business change. You'll also contribute to the development of IR tools, policy, and guidance that strengthen our capability and ensure alignment with legislation and best practice.

Advisory Support

• Support collective consultation, trade union engagement, and formal bargaining.
• Prepare negotiation materials, record actions, and document outcomes.
• Act as a central contact for IR queries and maintain accurate consultation records.
• Advise leaders on complex IR matters and escalate emerging risks.
• Deliver IR training and share lessons learned to improve practice.

Trade Union Engagement

• Build strong relationships with recognised trade unions and employee forums.
• Support national and regional union meetings and consultation events.
• Promote consistent, best‑practice IR approaches across all business areas.
• Share insight and emerging risks to strengthen organisational IR capability.

Collective Bargaining & Agreements

• Support annual pay reviews and collective bargaining activity.
• Maintain IR toolkits, templates, and training materials.
• Ensure IR considerations are reflected in policies and guidance.
• Keep collective agreements up to date and aligned with workforce strategy.
• Maintain a central IR repository and lead on data quality improvements.

Change & Compliance

• Support compliant workforce change activity in partnership with ER.
• Monitor legislative and labour market developments and advise on impacts.
• Translate legal changes into policy updates and practical guidance.
• Act as an IR subject matter expert for leaders and HR teams.

This role is offered on a 12-month fixed term contract basis.

This role is primarily remote, with UK travel - 1-2 times per month - for specific IR-related meetings.

You can work from the company office in Hook if you prefer.

Profile

Applicants for this Industrial Relations (IR) Advisor role should closely match the following profile:

• Solid understanding of industrial relations, collective consultation, and employment legislation.
• Experience working with Trade Unions.
• CIPD Level 5 or equivalent HR/ER experience.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
• Hands‑on, collaborative approach with confidence working in complex environments.
• Ability to develop practical tools, templates, and guidance for managers.
• Strong employment law knowledge and its application in large organisations.
• A problem‑solving mindset with sound judgement and a values‑led approach.
• Commitment to honesty, respect, compassion, and inclusive working.
• Able to travel nationally to Industrial Relations meetings 1-2 times per month.

You will be available at shorter notice for a fixed term contract, and able to commit to a 12-month duration.

Job Offer

This role offers the following:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Annual leave purchase scheme.
• Up to 6% contributory pension scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Ongoing CPD support (minimum 20 hours annually in line with RICS requirements.
• Company discounts which include cinema, Merlin Entertainment and online shopping discounts, and discounts on mobile phone plans and leisure centre memberships.
• A range of benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, Health Cash Plans, free flu jabs and more.
• A company passionate about diversity and inclusion.