Industrial Relations and HR Policy Manager

Oxfordshire County Council; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Oxford is seeking an Industrial Relations & HR Policy Team Manager to influence key decisions and shape HR policies. You will lead negotiations with trade unions and provide strategic insights for improving workplace relations. The role involves a blend of direct leadership and collaboration across various services. This is a permanent position with hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Generous annual leave

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Local Government Pension Scheme

Discounts for shopping and travel

Qualifications

• Confident HR professional with strong expertise in industrial relations.
• Proven experience in trade union negotiation and consultation.
• Strategic insight and practical mindset in policy development.
• Awareness and application of inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

Responsibilities

• Shape the future of how we work and influence key decisions.
• Lead negotiations and consultations with trade unions.
• Ensure HR policies are legally sound and forward-thinking.
• Provide leadership and support to one direct report.

Skills

Expertise in industrial relations

Trade union negotiation

Policy development

Building constructive relationships

Strategic insight

Inclusion and diversity awareness

Job description

About Us

At Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) we are delivering the future together to become an employer, partner and place shaper of choice. To achieve our goals, we need to transform how we work by redesigning our organisational structure, so we’re set up for success and sustainability in the future.

Our Human Resources (HR) and Cultural Change service is evolving and it’s an exciting time to be part of it. We’re reimagining how we work to deliver our People and Culture Strategy, ensuring the organisation is ready to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. Our new operating model brings clarity to roles and responsibilities, while strengthening our ‘one team’ ethos. Join us as we take bold steps forwardtogether.

What You’ll Do

This is a unique opportunity to step into a strategic role at the heart of industrial relations. As Industrial Relations & HR Policy Team Manager, you will help shape the future of how we work, influence key decisions and make a real impact across the Council.

• With your specialist experience of working with trade unions, you will be the go‑to expert for all things industrial relations, including leading negotiations and consultations with recognised trade unions across services including schools and the fire service.
• Partnering with the relevant Strategic HR Manager, you will ensure our employer obligations are met, and our approach remains constructive, inclusive and valuesled.
• You will take ownership of HR policies and toolkits, making sure they’re legally sound, forward‑thinking and aligned with best practice. These resources will support every stage of the employee journey and help embed our People and Culture Strategy further.
• Beyond this, your role will involve:
  Providing visible leadership, with one direct report - offering guidance and clear direction to help them thrive and deliver confidently. Building strong relationships across OCC and with external partners to deliver meaningful change. Driving wider HR initiatives and contributing to organisational transformation workstreams.

Before applying, we recommend reviewing the attached job description. It has further information and clear guidance on what we’re looking for.

What You’ll Bring

• You're aconfidenta HR professional with strong expertise in industrial relations and policy development.
• You bring proven experience in trade union negotiation and consultation, and excel at building constructive relationships that balance organisational priorities with employee wellbeing.
• You bring strategic insight and a practical mindset, able to shape forward‑thinking policies that are legally sound, values‑led and easy to use. You’re a trusted advisor across the organisation, known for your clarity, influence and collaborative approach.
• Youunderstandthe power of inclusion and embed equality, diversity and fairness in everything you do. You’re comfortable working across boundaries, partnering with stakeholders to deliver impactful, joined‑up outcomes.

Could this be you?

What You Can Look Forward To

At OCC, you’ll be part of a team that’s not only passionate about what we do - but also about how we do it. Our core values shape our culture and guide how we work, lead, and grow together: Always Learning, Be Kind and Care, Equality and Integrity in All We Do, Taking Responsibility, and Daring to Do It Differently.

We’re proud to nurture a culture built on inclusion, respect, and continuous improvement. At OCC, you’ll benefit from flexible working arrangements, access to professional development opportunities, and a strong sense of purpose in everything we do.

This is a permanent role with hybrid working - typically 1–2 days per week in our central Oxford office, aligned with business needs. Occasional travel to other sites may be required.

• Culture of flexible working
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your growth (examples here?)
• Technology tosupportagile working
• Employee Assistance Programme – including health and wellbeing support
• Generous annual leave – 30 days plus bank holidays, and an option to ‘buy’ additional holiday
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Local Government Pension Scheme – with employer contributions up to 19.9%
• Discounts – local and national offers for shopping and travel

Ready to Apply?

• We encourage early applications and may close the vacancy ahead of schedule if we receive a strong response. The current deadline is 19 November.
• When applying, please upload a current CV and a personal statement:
  CV: Include your employment history and relevant experience
  Personal Statement: Describe how your skills and experience align with the role, referring to the essential criteria and person specification.
  Job Description: This sets out our ideal, but we value diverse strengths and potential. If your experience aligns with much of what we’re looking for, please consider applying.
• Shortlisting is expected to take place shortly after closing from 20 November.
• Interviews are expected to take place in our central Oxford office soon after. Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates.
• For informal enquiries or further information about the role, please contact:
  Leah Jones, Strategic Pay and Reward Manager on [e-mail]

Ourcommitmentto: Equality Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Ourcommitmentto: Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Ourcommitmentto: Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selectin practices reflect these commitments.

Ourcommitmentto: Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi‑time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine‑day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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