Director of Employee Relations and Policy

Bluetownonline; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent university in Manchester is looking for a Director of Employee Relations and Policy to lead strategic initiatives in employee and industrial relations. The role requires experience in unionized settings and managing complex cases. The successful candidate will join the People Executive team and contribute to the Manchester 2035 strategy, with opportunities for hybrid and flexible working arrangements. Applications must be submitted by 26th October 2025.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in leading collective negotiation and consultation.
• Experience in managing sensitive and complex cases.
• Ability to oversee the development of progressive employment policies.

Responsibilities

• Lead collective negotiation, consultation, and communication with trade unions.
• Manage sensitive and complex employment cases.
• Contribute to the Manchester 2035 strategy.

Skills

Leadership in employee and industrial relations

Experience with trade unions

Collective negotiation

Team management

Job description

Job Title: Director of Employee Relations and Policy

Location: Oxford Road, Manchester

Salary: Competitive

Job type: Full Time, Permanent. 35 hours per week.

Closing date: 26/10/2025.

Director of Employee Relations and Policy

The University is seeking a strategic leader in employee and industrial relations (ER) with experience in large, complex and unionised settings. Applicants should have a successful track record in leading collective negotiation, consultation and communication with trade unions, in leading a team in managing sensitive and complex cases, and in overseeing the development and prioritisation of progressive employment policies. This is an exciting time to join the team as we move closer towards a partnership model with our Trade Unions, working on co-creation and collaboration. In addition, we are at the start of our journey to implement Restorative Just Culture principles in how we manage challenges and conflict.

The successful applicant will join our People Executive team supporting the leadership of our wider People team and delivering the aims within our People Delivery plan supporting our new Manchester 2035 strategy.

Applications will close at midnight on Sunday 26th October 2025. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 5 November 2025.

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all sectors of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability or sexual orientation. As Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates are currently under-represented at this level at the University, we would particularly welcome applications from individuals in minority ethnic groups. All appointments will be made on merit. The University is positive about hybrid and flexible working. Blended working arrangements may be considered.

Please click APPLY to be redirected to our website to complete an application form.

• Director of Employee Relations
• Head of Employee Relations
• Employee Relations Director
• Director of Policy
• Head of Policy
• Policy Director