Director of Industrial Relations

Page Executive; London; Hybrid; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

A global consumer retailer in London is seeking a Head of Industrial Relations to lead the development and execution of strategies that align with organisational goals. The successful candidate will have substantial experience in labour relations across multiple countries and a solid understanding of international principles. This role offers a competitive salary between £130,000 and £160,000 per annum, along with a performance-based bonus, shares, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Performance-based bonus scheme

Car allowance

28 days holiday

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• Experience with EWCs, works councils, or unions across multiple countries.
• Track record in large global organizations.
• Experience in a customer-related sector.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice for a global Industrial Relations strategy.
• Manage negotiations with trade unions and employee representatives.
• Lead the development of policies related to industrial relations.

Skills

Experience in labour/industrial relations

Understanding of international industrial relations principles

Managing large-scale initiatives

Critical thinking

Excellent presentation skills

Job description

• Newly created role in a global organisation
• Leading, well known brand

About Our Client

A globally recognised, consumer retailer in over 100 countries.

Job Description

• Provide strategic advice & guidance to global leaders regarding the creation of a global Industrial Relations strategy
• Work closely with both the legal and HR functions to ensure communication & success of outcomes internally
• Assist and chair cross-functional teams accountable for execution of strategic priorities designed to prepare and promote the brand and business model.
• Support international markets in identifying systemic legal risks and collaborate with those markets on response strategies that are consistent with our values
• Lead efforts on system-wide needs assessments to identify internal/external strengths, risks and workplace patterns
• Focus on finding opportunities to elevate employer brand
• Actively stays abreast of labour trends, legislative and regulatory developments or updates that may impact the brand.
• Provide strategic thought-partnership on the development and execution of short and long-term solutions to address complex industrial relations matters (i.e. discrimination, harassment, workplace violence, safety, etc.), consistent with company policies and practices and limits exposure to legal liability.
• Develop and implement industrial relations strategies aligned with organisational goals.
• Manage negotiations with trade unions and employee representatives.
• Ensure compliance with labour laws and industry regulations across all HR practices.
• Provide expert advice to senior management on industrial relations matters.
• Handle grievance and disciplinary processes with a focus on resolution and fairness.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in employment legislation affecting the organisation.
• Lead the development of policies and procedures related to industrial relations.
• Collaborate with HR teams to foster a positive workplace culture and employee engagement.

The Successful Applicant

A successful Head of Industrial Relations should have:

• Experience in labour/industrial relations and working with EWCs, works councils, or unions across multiple countries.
• Solid understanding of international industrial relations principles and ability to educate partners on industrial relations matters and labour law.
  • Experience in industrial relations within large, complex global organisations supporting multiple countries (e.g., Canada, Australia, UK, Germany, France, Spain) is highly beneficial.
• Track record of managing multi-faceted and large-scale initiatives under tight deadlines.
• Shown experience managing and leading during uncertainty and change.
• Validated critical thinker with a bias for action and understands how to drive clarity amidst ambiguity.
• Experience in a customer related sector
• Great presentation skills, gravitas and results driven in a high performing culture
• Happy to look at those from either a legal or HR background

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary in the range of £130,000 to £160,000 per annum base
• Performance-based bonus scheme and shares and car allowance and 28 days holiday
• Opportunities to work in a leading, global organisation
• Supportive and structured working environment.
• Engagement in high-impact, strategic HR initiatives.
• Comprehensive benefits package to support your professional and personal needs.
• 3 days in the London office
• Happy to do international travel