Senior Industrial Relations Advisor (Hybrid/Inside ir35)

About the Role

I am looking for an experienced and strategic Industrial Relations leader to shape and deliver our long-term approach to employee and trade union engagement. This role plays a critical part in supporting organisational transformation, ensuring strong governance, and fostering collaborative, productive relationships with trade unions.

You’ll act as the organisation’s senior IR expert, advising leadership on risk, compliance, and labour market developments, while leading collective bargaining, negotiations, and dispute resolution. Working closely with HR, Legal, and operational leaders, you’ll ensure industrial relations strategy aligns with our wider People and Culture ambitions and transformation agenda.

This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives in complex environments and can balance organisational priorities with positive workforce outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the organisation’s long-term Industrial Relations strategy
• Act as the primary senior contact for trade unions and employee representatives
• Lead collective bargaining and complex negotiations
• Manage disputes, grievances, and mediation to avoid escalation
• Advise senior leaders on IR risk, employment law, and labour market trends
• Ensure full compliance with employment law, governance, and documentation standards
• Partner with HR, Legal, and operational leaders to support change and workforce impacts

About You

• Passionate about Industrial Relations and building constructive union relationships
• Extensive senior-level experience in trade union negotiations and collective bargaining
• Strong knowledge of employment law and IR frameworks
• Confident influencer, communicator, and negotiator
• Strategic thinker with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree-level qualification (preferred) or equivalent professional experience
• Proven senior-level IR leadership experience
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and conflict resolution skills

Modis International Ltd acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers in the UK. Modis Europe Ltd provide a variety of international solutions that connect clients to the best talent in the world. For all positions based in Switzerland, Modis Europe Ltd works with its licensed Swiss partner Accurity GmbH to ensure that candidate applications are handled in accordance with Swiss law.

Both Modis International Ltd and Modis Europe Ltd are Equal Opportunities Employers.

By applying for this role your details will be submitted to Modis International Ltd and/or Modis Europe Ltd. Our Candidate Privacy Information Statement which explains how we will use your information is available on the Modis website.