Director of Industrial Relations

London Permanent £130,000 - £160,000 per year View Job Description
The Director of Global Industrial/Labour Relations will help develop a global Industrial Relations framework and partner with all the many different markets to ensure a consistent approach is taken where possible. This is a strategic role. Yet as it is a stand alone role working through others, you will need to be operational & understand the detail needed inside a global, complex matrix organisation. A wonderfully complex role with real global impact.
  • 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



Contact
Catherine Osaigbovo
Quote job ref
JN-082025-6807506
Phone number
+44 207 645 1446

Job summary

Job function
Human Resources
Subsector
Employee Relations
Sector
FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods)
Location
London
Contract type
Permanent
Consultant name
Catherine Osaigbovo
Consultant phone
+44 207 645 1446
Job reference
JN-082025-6807506