Industrial Relations Partner - Specialist Education

Salary: £50,000 per annum + company-wide benefits

Remit

Compass Corporate Services are proud to be partnering with the UK’s leading provider of specialist education for children and young people. Our client is committed to providing specialised, dedicated services that empower all individuals we educate to surmount obstacles, advance and thrive, and accomplish their own personal objectives. Together we are searching for a highly skilled individual with a strong background in industrial relations who will help shape and lead our strategic approach to workforce management.

The Role

As Industrial Relations Partner, you will focus on establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with trade unions, leading collective bargaining agreements, and advising senior leadership on industrial relations issues. You will play a key role in supporting policy development, conflict resolution, and compliance with UK employment law.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading negotiations on collective agreements with trade unions in line with organisational goals.
• Providing expert advice on industrial relations to senior leaders, identifying risks, and presenting strategic opportunities.
• Ensuring full compliance with UK employment law and sector-specific regulations, including the Employment Rights Act and the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act.
• Developing and implementing industrial relations policies, ensuring consistency and effective communication.
• Mediating and resolving workplace disputes to ensure fair outcomes and minimal disruption.
• Supporting health and safety initiatives related to industrial relations and working conditions.

Location

This is a hybrid position, allowing flexibility to work from home, with occasional travel to Head Office in Bolton when required. Candidates from across the UK are encouraged to apply.

Essential Criteria

• 5-7 years' experience in industrial relations, education, specialist, or public sector would be beneficial.
• Extensive knowledge of UK employment law, including the Employment Rights Act and Trade Union and Labour Relations Act.
• Proven experience in managing trade union negotiations and collective bargaining.
• Demonstrated expertise in conflict resolution, grievance handling, and dispute management.
• Ability to design and implement industrial relations policies in alignment with organisational goals.
• Solid understanding of health and safety legislation as it pertains to industrial relations and working conditions.
• Familiarity with HRIS for managing employee data and compliance monitoring.
• Pre-existing relationships with unions.

The Candidate

• Strong analytical and communication skills, with experience in producing detailed reports for senior management.
• Must be adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Strong stakeholder management skills are required, especially for working with senior executives.
• Experience in developing and implementing IR policies and procedures.
• Capability to provide strategic advice and build IR strategies from the ground up.

Interview Process

This is a 2-stage interview process. The 1st stage is competency-based questions, and 2nd stage a general discussion. Both held via Teams.

Contact Details

If you would like to be considered for this exciting opportunity, please contact Isobel Johnson directly.

Recommendations

Compass Associates Ltd is acting as a Recruitment Consultancy for this permanent vacancy; we offer a £200 John Lewis voucher for a successful recommendation following the completion of probation/rebate.

Compass Associates, established in 2009, is an award-winning, UK specialist Health and Social Care Recruitment Consultancy providing tailored, high quality recruitment solutions for all permanent assignments.