HR Business Partner (Industrial Relations)

VanRath; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established organisation in Belfast is seeking an experienced HR Business Partner - Industrial Relations. In this role, you will lead industrial relations initiatives and negotiations at a distribution centre, requiring 5+ years of experience in a similar environment. This position offers opportunities for career development and a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Career Development

Innovative Culture

Impactful Work

Hybrid Working

Inclusive Environment

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in industrial relations or employee relations in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven experience leading trade union negotiations and third-party representations.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead industrial relations initiatives at a major distribution centre.
• Develop and implement effective IR strategies and policies.
• Negotiate with trade unions and manage third-party referrals.

Skills

Industrial relations experience

Trade union negotiations

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in HR, Business, Law, or a related field

Job description

HR Business Partner - Industrial Relations

Our client is a well-established, privately owned organisation with a strong presence in the distribution, logistics, and FMCG sectors. With operations across multiple locations in Ireland and a focus on innovation, sustainability, and community impact, they are recognised as a market leader in their field.

As part of their continued growth and transformation, they are seeking an experienced HR Business Partner - Industrial Relations to join their high-performing HR function.

The Role

As HR Business Partner - Industrial Relations, you will play a pivotal role within the Employee Relations and Policy Centre of Excellence. You\'ll lead industrial relations initiatives at a key distribution centre, ensuring a collaborative and solutions-focused environment, while delivering commercially positive outcomes through strong union engagement and IR best practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the lead IR representative at a major distribution centre, including transport operations.

• Develop and implement effective IR strategies, policies, and frameworks.

• Lead negotiations with trade unions and manage all third-party referrals.

• Provide strategic guidance to the Head of HR Supply Chain and HRBPs on complex IR issues.

• Support change management initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals.

• Coach and upskill managers and HR colleagues on best practices in industrial relations.

• Maintain consistent case management and foster strong external partnerships.

• Contribute to broader HR initiatives including webinars, workshops, and key projects.

What You'll Bring

• 5+ years\' experience in industrial relations or employee relations within a fast-paced environment.

• Proven experience leading trade union negotiations and third-party representations.

• Strong problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

• Degree in HR, Business, Law, or a related field.

• Full, clean driving licence.

• High level of attention to detail and a consistent, professional work methodology.

Why Join?

• Career Development - Grow within a business that values internal progression.

• Innovative Culture - Be part of a forward-thinking and sustainability-focused organisation.

• Impactful Work - Contribute to meaningful initiatives that affect local communities.

• Hybrid Working - Benefit from a flexible Work Smart hybrid working model.

• Inclusive Environment - Equal opportunities employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you\'re an experienced HR professional with a passion for industrial relations and a strategic mindset, this is your opportunity to join a highly respected business with a strong legacy and a bright future.

To discuss your next HR related career move, speak with Richard McFarland (Assoc. CIPD) at VANRATH.