Industrial Relations Manager

Churchill Group; Luton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Ownership

33 days leave incl. bank holidays

Enhanced family/maternity/paternity/s/

24/7 GP access and wellbeing support

Volunteering days

Exclusive perks and discounts

Ongoing training and development

Diversity & Inclusion initiatives

Recognition and rewards

Job summary

Churchill Group in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Industrial Relations & TUPE Manager to lead our HR team on specialist employment matters, including industrial relations strategy, collective consultation, and TUPE compliance.

Reporting to the Employee Relations Director, you will shape negotiations with trade unions, build trusted advisor relationships with senior leaders, and guide business units through complex workforce change.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in industrial relations, union engagement and collective bargaining.
• Values-led, people-focused with employee voice at the center.
• Credibility to lead negotiations with trust and respect.

Responsibilities

• Lead and nurture positive relationships with trade unions and operate in a progressive IR environment.
• Lead pay negotiations and collective bargaining with a long-term, partnership mindset.
• Proactively manage industrial relations matters to keep disputes rare.
• Head a specialist TUPE team supporting mobilisation and demobilisation of contracts.
• Provide clear guidance on TUPE, consultation and workforce change during transitions.
• Handle complex employee relations cases with balanced expertise when needed.
• Advise senior leaders and HR on all aspects of industrial and employee relations.

Skills

Industrial relations

Union engagement

Collective bargaining

Employee voice

Negotiation

People leadership

Job description

Hybrid role, within a commutable distance of Luton (LU1)

People‑led. Progressive. Purpose‑driven.

We’re looking for an experienced Industrial Relations & TUPE Manager to join our HR team, bringing specialist expertise in industrial relations, employment law, and organisational change.

Reporting to the Employee Relations Director, you’ll shape and lead our industrial relations strategy, managing trade union relationships, collective consultation, and negotiation activity across the business. You’ll also oversee all aspects of TUPE compliance, leading the TUPE team and ensuring employees are supported through organisational transfers.

As our subject matter expert, you’ll provide strategic and operational guidance to senior stakeholders, HR teams, and operational leaders. At Churchill, doing the right thing is at the heart of what we do, so we’ll provide the tools, development opportunities, and support you need to succeed and grow your career.

As our Industrial Relations Manager, you will:

• Lead and nurture positive, open and engaging relationships with trade unions, operating in a progressive IR environment where collaboration comes first
• Lead pay negotiations and collective bargaining, approaching discussions constructively and with a long‑term, partnership mindset
• Manage industrial relations matters proactively, with disputes being rare rather than routine
• Lead and develop a specialist TUPE team, supporting bids and providing expert advice during the mobilisation and demobilisation of contracts
• Provide clear, practical guidance to the business on TUPE, consultation and workforce change – ensuring colleagues are supported through transition
• Get involved in complex employee relations cases from time to time, offering calm, balanced and well‑judged expertise when it really matters
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, HR colleagues and operational teams on all aspects of industrial and employee relations

You’ll be someone who:

• Brings strong experience in industrial relations, union engagement and collective bargaining
• Is values‑led, people‑focused and comfortable working in an organisation where employee voice is central
• Has the credibility and confidence to lead negotiations, while maintaining trust and respect on all sides
• Enjoys developing others and leading specialist teams
• Can balance commercial realities with fairness, empathy and a genuine commitment to doing the right thing

Why join us?

• You’ll work in an employee‑owned business, where people really do have a voice
• You’ll have the opportunity to shape and influence a modern, constructive IR approach
• You’ll be trusted to lead, supported to grow, and encouraged to bring your whole self to work
• You’ll be part of a team that believes great industrial relations are built on relationships, not rulebooks

What we offer you?

We believe in rewarding talent and creating a workplace where everyone feels valued. Here’s what you’ll get:

• Employee Ownership – You are part of our success!
• 33 days leave including bank holidays
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and sick pay
• 24/7 GP access, plus mental health, wellness, financial, and legal support
• Two paid volunteering days per year – Give back to a cause that matters to you
• Exclusive perks and discounts – More than 250 deals available
• Ongoing training and development – From apprenticeships to leadership programs
• Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion – Our Mosaic Committee and Mental Health First Aiders are leading the way
• Recognition and rewards – Celebrating our shining stars all year round

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone belongs. As an inclusive and equal‑opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. We believe that diversity drives innovation and excellence, and we strive to build a culture of respect, fairness, and opportunity for all.

Reasonable adjustments

Please let us know if there are any adjustments, we can make to support you during our recruitment process. We’re happy to help…

Please note: Security clearance (DBS) is required for this role