Role Overview
The IR & ER Specialist plays a key role in managing employee and industrial relations matters across the organisation. This role ensures fair, consistent, and legally compliant handling of employee issues, supports positive workforce relations, and acts as a trusted advisor to managers and leaders on complex ER and IR matters.Key Responsibilities
Industrial & Employee Relations
- Develop and maintain constructive working relationships with employees, managers, and recognised trade unions or employee representatives.
- Act as a primary point of contact for ER and IR matters, providing practical and commercially balanced advice.
- Support collective consultation, collective bargaining, and negotiations with unions or works councils where applicable.
- Monitor changes in employment legislation and industrial relations landscapes, ensuring organisational compliance.
Case Management & Investigations
- Manage end-to-end employee relations cases, including grievances, disciplinaries, performance management, absence issues, and workplace disputes.
- Lead and conduct workplace investigations into misconduct, policy breaches, and employee complaints, ensuring fair process and accurate documentation.
- Provide guidance to managers on best practice approaches, risk mitigation, and appropriate outcomes.
Policy, Compliance & Risk
- Ensure policies, procedures, and practices align with current labour laws and employment legislation.
- Support the development, review, and implementation of ER and IR policies and frameworks.
- Identify potential employee relations risks and proactively support resolution strategies.
Stakeholder Support
- Coach and support managers in handling sensitive people matters confidently and consistently.
- Partner with HR colleagues, legal advisors, and leadership teams on complex or high-risk cases.
- Contribute to broader people initiatives that promote positive employee engagement and cultural alignment.
Skills, Experience & QualificationsEssential
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Employment Law, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Proven experience in an ER and/or IR-focused role, typically within a unionised or complex employee relations environment.
- Strong working knowledge of employment law and labour regulations.
- Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, change-driven environment.
Desirable
- Experience supporting collective bargaining or union negotiations.
- Professional HR qualification (e.g. CIPD Level 5 or above).
- Experience working across multi-site or operational environments.
What you'll get in return
Generous pay and bonus
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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