Industrial Relations Manager

Head of HR / Industrial Relations Lead

12 Month FTC or 6 - 9 month contract

A confidential organisation in the industrial/manufacturing sector is seeking a Head of HR / Industrial Relations Lead to support a large-scale multi-site change programme.

The role requires a highly experienced individual with deep expertise in industrial relations, union negotiation, and site transformation, capable of operating at pace and with credibility in a unionised environment.

Key Responsibilities for this Head of HR Role:

• Lead the people stream of a complex, multi-site change programme
• Manage industrial relations strategy including engagement with Unite and union representatives
• Support site closure, disposal, and transition processes, ensuring all people-related aspects are delivered effectively
• Lead and manage TUPE transfers, restructuring, and redundancy processes
• Develop and implement target operating models across affected sites
• Provide data-driven HR insight and justification to support business decisions
• Prepare and lead consultation meetings, ensuring full compliance and strong stakeholder engagement
• Partner with operations, legal, and leadership teams across the programme
• Conduct site visits to support delivery and engagement activities
• Ensure all activity is aligned to UK employment law and best practice

What We’re Looking for this Head of HR Role:

• Significant experience in industrial relations within a unionised manufacturing environment
• Proven track record of leading site closures, disposals, or large-scale restructuring programmes
• Strong experience negotiating with unions
• Extensive hands-on experience with TUPE, consultation processes, and organisational change
• Experience operating across multi-site environments
• Strong commercial and data-driven mindset, able to support decision-making with robust justification
• Confident working at Head of HR / senior leadership level
• Able to work autonomously in a fast-paced, time-sensitive programme

Working Arrangements for this Head of HR Role:

• Home-based with planned travel to sites
• Standard hours: Monday – Friday (37.5 hours)
• Initial contract: 12 months (potential to extend)
• Interviews:
  
  • Stage 1: Teams
  • Stage 2: Teams or on-site
    

Click Apply, or contact Jamie Garcia - Courtice for more info: Jamie.garciacourtice@orion-group.co.uk

Thank you for your application. Due to the volume of applications, we cannot respond to everyone personally. If you haven't heard back within 5 working days, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. To view other vacancies, please visit our website.

Ref: INDMAN