Senior Industrial Relations Manager

British Airways; Coventry; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A major airline company in Coventry is seeking a Senior Industrial Relations Manager to lead employee relations and strategy initiatives. The role involves developing IR plans, building relationships with unions, and guiding operational leaders on employee engagement. Candidates should have significant experience with trade unions, a track record of meaningful change, and strong negotiation skills. This position offers extensive staff travel benefits and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Unlimited standby tickets on British Airways flights

Discounted airfares for friends and family

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Significant experience working with trade unions in large organizations.
• Proven track record of delivering meaningful change in IR projects.
• Deep knowledge of employment legislation and ER/IR practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of Industrial Relations strategic plans.
• Build relationships with trade union representatives.
• Advise leaders on Industrial Relations engagement.
• Chair local industrial meetings.
• Drive change initiatives in unionized environments.

Skills

Leadership style

Negotiation skills

Conflict resolution

Strategic mindset

Relationship building

Job description

A career without limits

As the nation’s flag carrier, we take great pride in connecting Britain with the world and the world with Britain.

It’s something we’ve been doing for over 100 years, ever since we launched the world’s first international scheduled air service between London and Paris.

This originality has been in our blood since day one. It’s the spirit we share with the people that fly with us, our partners, and our colleagues.

So, whether you are a reassuring voice on the end of a phone, a smile at the door, under a wing keeping the turbines spinning or landing us gently in far-flung places, a job at British Airways is yours to make.

We know great things can happen when you’re inspired to think big and bring your ambition to work every day, which is why, at British Airways the sky is never the limit.

The role:

Formal Title - Employee Relations and Strategy Manager (Senior Industrial Relations Manager)

We’re looking for an experienced Senior Industrial Relations Manager to help take our transformation and engagement agenda forward. If you’ve got a track record of building effective relationships, aligning senior partners and making change happen in a high-profile unionised environment, this could be a great next role for you.

Join British Airways as an Employee Relations and Strategy Manager and play a critical role in shaping the future of our workforce strategy. You'll lead our approach to employee relations, encouraging a culture of engagement, trust, and performance across the business.

What you’ll do:

• Lead the development and implementation of Industrial Relations strategic plans that support current and future business goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with key trade union representatives and officials to support negotiations and consultations.
• Advise operational leaders and programme teams with expert guidance on Industrial Relations engagement.
• Co-ordinate Employee Relations agendas across business units and chair local industrial meetings.
• Drive change initiatives in unionised environments and identify opportunities to evolve employee policies and agreements.
• Deliver complex IR/ER projects that support strategic transformation and business outcomes.

What you’ll bring to British Airways:

• A confident and engaging leadership style with the credibility to influence at all levels.
• The ability to handle complex priorities and drive delivery in high-pressure environments.
• Outstanding negotiation and conflict resolution skills with a strategic mindset.
• A collaborative approach that strengthens relationships both internally and externally.

Your experience:

• Significant experience working with trade unions in large, complex organisations.
• A proven track record of delivering meaningful change and leading IR-sensitive projects.
• Deep knowledge of employment legislation and current ER/IR practices.
• Experience managing conflict, driving employee engagement, and leading strategic negotiations.

What we offer:

We believe that all the people who work with us should feel valued for the part they play. It’s one of the reasons our rewards go far beyond a competitive salary.

From the day you join us, you’ll get access to brilliant staff travel benefits including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways flights. You’ll also receive up to 30 discounted ‘Hotline’ airfares per year for yourself, friends, and family.

At British Airways you’ll have the chance to take on new challenges and move forward in a way that feels right for you. We encourage all those who work for us to consider opportunities right across our business to help you develop and progress.

We never stand still, and we don’t expect our people to either.

Inclusion & Diversity

At British Airways we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work. Diverse representation among our people is really important to us and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work.

Inclusion and diversity is a key driver of innovation and we’re committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they can be themselves. We’re looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be a part of our journey to become a Better BA as we continue to connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain.