ER Lead – Trade Union Relations

About the role

The ER Lead – Trade Union Relations will work on an interim basis for Tower Hamlets Council, providing specialist expertise in trade‑union negotiations and consultation. Reporting to the Director of HR&OD, the role will resolve long‑standing disputes, develop pragmatic solutions, and lead high‑profile employee‑relations cases.

Key responsibilities

• Build and maintain professional relationships with trade‑union representatives.
• Create and enforce standard operating procedures, workflows and quality checks for employee‑relations activities.
• Lead and coordinate formal consultation and negotiation processes across the organisation.
• Support major change, transformation and restructuring programmes.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to shape employee and industrial‑relations strategies.
• Ensure compliance with collective consultation requirements and employment legislation.
• Manage resolution of complex, high‑level ER issues and disputes promptly.
• Provide expert advice to managers and HR colleagues on consultation, negotiation and employee‑relations matters.
• Identify organisational risks and opportunities related to workforce and union relations.

Required profile

• Experienced trade‑union negotiator and employee‑relations professional.
• Proven ability to operate confidently in a complex, unionised, fast‑paced environment.
• Strong understanding of ACAS codes and relevant employment legislation.
• Senior‑level experience leading high‑impact ER cases.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive daily rate (£550‑£680).
• Opportunity to influence employee‑relations policy in a major local authority.
• Dynamic, fast‑moving work environment.