Employee Relations Lead (Trade Union Relations)

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Employee Relations Lead to strengthen employee and industrial relations within a local government setting. This six‑month interim role will involve high‑profile negotiations with recognised trade unions and support organisational transformation initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with recognised trade unions.
• Lead formal consultation and negotiation activities across the organisation.
• Resolve complex industrial relations disputes and high‑level employee relations cases promptly.
• Support major change, transformation and restructuring programmes.
• Develop SOPs, workflows and quality‑assurance processes for consistent employee‑relations practice.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, collective consultation requirements and ACAS Codes of Practice.
• Promote early‑resolution approaches and foster positive partnership working.
• Contribute to the development of employment policies, procedures and workforce initiatives.
• Monitor employee‑relations trends, identify emerging risks and recommend practical solutions.

Required profile

• Significant experience negotiating with trade unions and resolving complex disputes.
• Extensive employee‑relations and industrial‑relations experience within local government or the wider public sector.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, collective consultation requirements, industrial‑relations practice and trade‑union legislation.
• Ability to work at pace while maintaining constructive relationships with union representatives.
• Experience operating confidently in politically sensitive and high‑profile environments.

Required skills