Senior Industrial Relations Advisor

Rubicon Consulting is currently recruiting for Senior Industrial Relations Advisor on a 6 Months Contract, based in Midlands & Berkshire Role Summary The Senior Industrial Relations Advisor will lead the organisation’s engagement with Trade Unions and drive strategic industrial relations initiatives to support business objectives, mitigate risk and maintain a constructive employee relations climate. Key Accountabilities Strategic Industrial Relations Leadership * Provide expert advice to senior leadership on industrial relations strategy, risk management, and compliance. * Analyse labour market trends and anticipate potential challenges to inform proactive strategies. * Align union engagement with organisational transformation and change programmes. Industrial Relations Strategy * Define and implement the long-term industrial relations strategy to support organisational objectives. * Establish frameworks for proactive engagement with trade unions and employee representatives. * Monitor external labour market trends and regulatory changes to adapt strategy accordingly. * Align industrial relations plans with broader People and Culture strategy and organisational transformation initiatives. Trade Union Engagement * Act as the primary point of contact between the organisation and trade unions. * Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with trade union representatives. * Oversee engagement forums and ensure consistent, transparent communication. Collective Bargaining and Negotiation * Lead negotiations for collective bargaining agreements, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and legal requirements. * Develop negotiation strategies and proposals in collaboration with senior management. * Drive mutually beneficial agreements while safeguarding organisational interests. Conflict Resolution and Dispute Management * Manage and resolve disputes and grievances effectively, fostering constructive dialogue to avoid escalation. * Implement mediation strategies and ensure timely resolution of issues. Compliance and Governance * Ensure all industrial relations activities comply with employment law, organisational policies, and regulatory standards. * Maintain accurate documentation of agreements, negotiation processes, and outcomes. Stakeholder Collaboration * Partner with HR, Legal, and operational leaders to ensure integrated approaches to industrial relations. * Support leadership teams in communicating changes and managing workforce impacts. Requirements * Passionate about Industrial Relations and driving productive relationships with Trade unions * Experience of Trade Union negotiations. * Strong background in employment law and industrial relations frameworks * Strong communicator, negotiator and resolver of conflict. Qualifications * Bachelor level (preferred) – or relevant depth of experience. * Extensive experience in trade union negotiations and collective bargaining at a senior level. * Strong understanding of employment law and industrial relations frameworks. * Proven ability to influence and build trust with diverse stakeholders. * Exceptional negotiation, communication, and conflict resolution skills. * Strategic thinker with the ability to balance organisational priorities and employee interests. Our Company Rubicon Consulting is a Talent management consultancy which helps you to optimise business performance and competitive advantage by choosing the right people first time