Manager - Industrial Relations

Global Manufacturing Company; Mumbai City; On-site; INR 2,800,000 - 4,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Global Manufacturing Company seeks an experienced Industrial Relations leader to shape and drive IR strategy across multiple manufacturing locations with a focus on harmonious employee relations and proactive issue resolution.

You will manage union negotiations, ensure compliance with labor laws, and guide plant HR teams on ER matters while partnering with senior management to maintain operational continuity.

Qualifications

• MBA/PGDM in HR, Industrial Relations, Labor Welfare or equivalent.
• 8+ years of IR experience in manufacturing.
• Experience managing unionized workforces and wage negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement IR strategies aligned with organizational goals across plants.
• Maintain relationships with unions and employee representatives; lead wage settlements and CBAs.
• Coordinate with legal teams on labor litigation and regulatory compliance; represent the company with labor authorities.
• Frame and standardize IR policies and governance across sites; monitor adherence and drive change with minimal disruption.
• Partner with Plant Heads and Corporate HR to manage stakeholder relationships and build IR capability.
• Track IR metrics and provide strategic recommendations to senior management.

Skills

IR strategy

union engagement

labor laws

stakeholder management

wage negotiations

Education

MBA/PGDM in HR / Industrial Relations

LLB (added advantage)

Job description

Role Purpose:

To develop and drive the Industrial Relations strategy across manufacturing locations, ensuring harmonious employee relations, effective union engagement, legal compliance, and proactive resolution of industrial issues while supporting business objectives and operational continuity.

Key Responsibilities:

Industrial Relations Management

• Develop and implement IR strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Maintain healthy relationships with unions, works committees, and employee representatives across plants.
• Lead wage settlements, long-term settlements (LTS), and collective bargaining negotiations.
• Drive initiatives to foster a positive employee relations climate and minimize industrial disputes.
• Ensure industrial peace and uninterrupted plant operations through proactive engagement.

Union & Employee Relations

• Handle negotiations with trade unions and employee associations.
• Manage grievance redressal mechanisms and disciplinary matters.
• Advise plant HR teams on sensitive employee relation issues.
• Facilitate dialogue between management and workers to address concerns effectively.

Compliance & Legal Matters

• Ensure compliance with all applicable labor laws and statutory requirements, including:
  • Industrial Relations Code
  • Factories Act
  • Standing Orders
  • Trade Unions Act
  • Contract Labor Regulations
  • Social Security and Wage-related legislations
• Coordinate with legal teams on labor litigation, conciliation proceedings, and labor court matters.
• Represent the organization before labor authorities, government agencies, and regulatory bodies.

Policy & Governance

• Frame and standardize IR policies, processes, and employee communication frameworks across plants.
• Monitor adherence to company policies and disciplinary procedures.
• Support implementation of organizational change initiatives with minimal employee disruption.

Stakeholder Management

• Partner with Plant Heads, HR Heads, Manufacturing Leadership, and Corporate HR.
• Build and maintain relationships with labour departments, government officials, and industry bodies.
• Guide and mentor plant HR teams on IR best practices and capability building.

Reporting & Analytics

• Track key IR metrics including grievances, disciplinary cases, absenteeism, strikes, attrition, and productivity indicators.
• Prepare periodic reviews and strategic recommendations for senior management.
• Identify emerging workforce risks and recommend mitigation strategies.

Desired Candidate Profile:

Education

• MBA/PGDM in HR, Personnel Management, Industrial Relations, Labor Welfare or equivalent.
• Degree in Law (LLB) will be an added advantage.

Experience

• 8+ years of relevant experience in Industrial Relations within manufacturing organizations.
• Proven experience in managing unionized workforces and wage negotiations.
• Exposure to multi-plant manufacturing environments preferred.
• Experience in automotive, tyre, engineering, metals, chemicals, or similar industries is highly desirable.

Location:

Corporate Office, Lower Parel (with frequent travel to manufacturing plants across India)

Working Days:

6 days a week (1st and 3rd Saturdays would be off, with the remaining Saturdays as working days)