Job Description

Head of HR / Industrial Relations Lead 

12 Month FTC or 6 - 9 month contract

A confidential organisation in the industrial/manufacturing sector is seeking a Head of HR / Industrial Relations Lead to support a large-scale multi-site change programme.

The role requires a highly experienced individual with deep expertise in industrial relations, union negotiation, and site transformation, capable of operating at pace and with credibility in a unionised environment.

Key Responsibilities for this Head of HR Role: 

Lead the people stream of a complex, multi-site change programme

Manage industrial relations strategy including engagement with Unite and union representatives

Support site closure, disposal, and transition processes, ensuring all people-related aspects are delivered effectively

Lead and manage TUPE transfers, restructuring, and redundancy processes

Develop and implement target operating models across affected sites

Provide data-driven HR insight and justification to support business decisions

Prepare and lead consultation meetings, ensuring full compliance and strong stakeholder engagement

Partner with operations, legal, and leadership teams across the programme

Conduct site visits to support delivery and engagement activities

Ensure all activity is aligned to UK employment law and best practice

What We’re Looking for this Head of HR Role: 

Significant experience in industrial relations within a unionised manufacturing environment

Proven track record of leading site closures, disposals, or large-scale restructuring programmes

Strong experience negotiating with unions 

Extensive hands-on experience with TUPE, consultation processes, and organisational change

Experience operating across multi-site environments

Strong commercial and data-driven mindset, able to support decision-making with robust justification

Confident working at Head of HR / senior leadership level

Able to work autonomously in a fast-paced, time-sensitive programme

Working Arrangements for this Head of HR Role: 

Home-based with planned travel to sites 

Standard hours: Monday – Friday (37.5 hours)

Initial contract: 12 months (potential to extend)

Interviews:

Stage 1: Teams

Stage 2: Teams or on-site 

Click Apply, or contact Jamie Garcia - Courtice for more info: (url removed)

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Ref: INDMAN