Director of Industrial Relations

• Newly created role in a global organisation
• Leading, well known brand

About Our Client

A globally recognised, consumer retailer in over 100 countries.

Job Description

• Provide strategic advice & guidance to global leaders regarding the creation of a global Industrial Relations strategy
• Work closely with both the legal and HR functions to ensure communication & success of outcomes internally
• Assist and chair cross-functional teams accountable for execution of strategic priorities designed to prepare and promote the brand and business model.
• Support international markets in identifying systemic legal risks and collaborate with those markets on response strategies that are consistent with our values
• Lead efforts on system-wide needs assessments to identify internal/external strengths, risks and workplace patterns
• Focus on finding opportunities to elevate employer brand
• Actively stays abreast of labour trends, legislative and regulatory developments or updates that may impact the brand.
• Provide strategic thought-partnership on the development and execution of short and long-term solutions to address complex industrial relations matters (i.e. discrimination, harassment, workplace violence, safety, etc.), consistent with company policies and practices and limits exposure to legal liability.
• Develop and implement industrial relations strategies aligned with organisational goals.
• Manage negotiations with trade unions and employee representatives.
• Ensure compliance with labour laws and industry regulations across all HR practices.
• Provide expert advice to senior management on industrial relations matters.
• Handle grievance and disciplinary processes with a focus on resolution and fairness.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in employment legislation affecting the organisation.
• Lead the development of policies and procedures related to industrial relations.
• Collaborate with HR teams to foster a positive workplace culture and employee engagement.

The Successful Applicant

A successful Head of Industrial Relations should have:

• Experience in labour/industrial relations and working with EWCs, works councils, or unions across multiple countries.
• Solid understanding of international industrial relations principles and ability to educate partners on industrial relations matters and labour law.
  • Experience in industrial relations within large, complex global organisations supporting multiple countries (e.g., Canada, Australia, UK, Germany, France, Spain) is highly beneficial.
• Track record of managing multi-faceted and large-scale initiatives under tight deadlines.
• Shown experience managing and leading during uncertainty and change.
• Validated critical thinker with a bias for action and understands how to drive clarity amidst ambiguity.
• Experience in a customer related sector
• Great presentation skills, gravitas and results driven in a high performing culture
• Happy to look at those from either a legal or HR background

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary in the range of £130,000 to £160,000 per annum base
• Performance-based bonus scheme and shares and car allowance and 28 days holiday
• Opportunities to work in a leading, global organisation
• Supportive and structured working environment.
• Engagement in high-impact, strategic HR initiatives.
• Comprehensive benefits package to support your professional and personal needs.
• 3 days in the London office
• Happy to do international travel