Senior Industrial Relations Advisor

Rubicon Consulting is currently recruiting for Senior Industrial Relations Advisor on a 6 Months Contract, based in Midlands & Berkshire

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Manage and resolve disputes and grievances effectively, fostering constructive dialogue to avoid escalation.
• Implement mediation strategies and ensure timely resolution of issues.

• Ensure all industrial relations activities comply with employment law, organisational policies, and regulatory standards.
• Maintain accurate documentation of agreements, negotiation processes, and outcomes.

• Partner with HR, Legal, and operational leaders to ensure integrated approaches to industrial relations.
• Support leadership teams in communicating changes and managing workforce impacts.

• 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.

• 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.

Rubicon Consulting is a Talent management consultancy which helps you to optimise business performance and competitive advantage by choosing the right people first time