Industrial Relations Lead

AWE is recruiting for an experienced Industrial Relations Lead to join the business.

We are seeking an experienced and influential Industrial Relations professional to join AWE in a specialist role. You will be used to spending 100% of your time shaping and delivering  Industrial Relations strategy, and providing expert advice on collective industrial relations matters across the organisation.

Acting as AWE's subject matter expert for Industrial Relations, you will champion constructive and collaborative relationships with Trade Unions and employees, leading on collective bargaining, consultation, dispute resolution, and the practical application of employment and trade union legislation.

You will bring a proven track record of successfully leading Industrial Relations activity within a complex organisation, demonstrating credibility, resilience and sound judgement in complex industrial relations environments. You will possess deep knowledge of employment and trade union law, alongside substantial experience of negotiating with recognised Trade Unions, managing collective issues, and influencing outcomes on significant organisational matters.

If your career has been focused on Industrial Relations and you are looking for a role where IR is your sole professional focus, we would like to hear from you

• Support the industrial relations aspects of the local, regional and national business objectives enabling the objectives to be achieved whilst minimising risk.
• Act as a change agent in supporting delivery of business objectives through developing a clear understanding of business strategy and close collaborative relationships with business-facing HR teams, senior business leaders and other specialist functions.
• Support the implementation of appropriate bargaining and consultation strategies and tactics to achieve business objectives.
• Manage the bargaining and consultation agenda at local and regional level and lead on the employee relations aspects of the agenda.
• Provide industrial relations support when disputes arise to ensure that the company’s interests are protected and appropriate resolution and/or risk mitigation approaches are adopted.

• →Contributing to the development of the overall industrial relations and employee relations strategy of the company.
• →Contributing to the development and implementation of industrial relations and employee relations policies within the functions.
• →Advising on industrial relations implications of business initiatives and act as a centre of knowledge and interpretation on policies, procedures and legislation.
• →Developing positive relationships with senior business leaders and senior trade union representatives to provide a platform for the achievement of business aims.
• →Modernising existing agreements so that they are fit for purpose and enable business aims to be met.

• Significant industrial relations and employee relations experience of a large multisite complex unionised organisation
• In depth knowledge of HR policies and procedures and employment legislation
• An understanding of employment laws and HR regulations and best practices.
• Broad experience of advising on the industrial relations and employee relations implications of large scale complex organisational changes (eg TUPE, Organisation re-design, redundancy programmes etc)
• Excellent communication skills and ability to negotiate and influence effectively at all levels in the organisation
• Proven track record of operating in a large complex unionised environment

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. 
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.