Industrial Relations Lead

Summary

Salary: Competitive Salary & Benefits Package
Grade: 3A
Reporting Line: Head of Partnering - Revenue, Tech, Transformation & IR
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract  18 Months 
Location: London
Closing Date: 23rd June 2026

What to expect

As a Industrial Relations Lead you will join us on our journey and undertake a valuable role reporting to the Head of Partnering - Revenue, Tech, Transformation & IR.

The Industrial Relations Lead is a key member of the People Team, responsible for leading the organisation’s industrial relations (IR) strategy and ensuring effective, consistent and constructive engagement with recognised trade unions.

Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, the role will provide expert guidance on complex employee relations matters, collective negotiations and dispute resolution, ensuring alignment to business priorities while maintaing positive and productive union relationships.

The Industrial Relations Lead will drive a proactive, insight-led IR approach that supports delivery of the Post Office people strategy, promotes colleague engagement, and ensure organisational risk is effectively managed. They will role model Post Office behaviours and demonstrate a Postmaster-first mindset.

What we can do for you

Now, more than ever, we understand that attracting the right talent is pivotal in driving the positive change needed throughout our organisation. Beyond a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 27.5 days annual leave that increases with tenure


• Up to 18% individual performance based – incentive scheme


• Car allowance


• Generous pension contribution


• Life assurance


• Income protection after 12 months service


• Full support from our employee assistance programme and access to our employee benefits platform


• Ever-evolving learning and development opportunities

Our commitment to embracing diversity extends beyond just words. We actively foster an inclusive workplace that values the unique perspectives and contributions from all colleagues. We hold the belief that Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are not just vital but fundamental to our success and growth. Our priority lies in shaping a business that mirrors the diverse communities we reach, truly making Post Office 'Everybody's Business'. As an equal opportunity employer, we value and celebrate the differences among our people, ensuring that our practices reflect our dedication to inclusivity and equal representation for all.

What you’ll need to succeed

Experience and Qualifications

• Substantial experience in establishing successful, cross-functional, stakeholder relationships.


• Demonstrable experience of delivering projects to achieve key objectives.  


• Significant Industrial Relations experience within a large, complex and unionised organisation


• Proven track record of leading trade union negotiations and managing collective relationships


• Strong expertise in UK employment law, consultation processes and dispute resolution


• Experience of supporting business transformation and organisational change in an IR context


• Highly credible with the ability to influence and coach senior stakeholders


• Strong analytical capability, using data to inform decisions and insight


• Excellent communication and relationship management skills

Skills and Capabilities

• An enabler who can speak with knowledge and confidence in their subject matter, guiding their team to success.


• Excellent influencing and communication skills with the ability to utilise a range of techniques to deliver messages effectively, make an impact, and drive a successful outcome.


• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders and leaders to build support for functional plans and activity.


• Acts as an expert advisor, applying advanced knowledge of their own specialism as well as broad knowledge of related areas.


• Strong commercial business acumen and ability to make data-driven business decisions.


• Demonstrates a strong commitment to upholding the values and principles of Post Office.

About us

At Post Office Ltd, we’re proud to be at the heart of communities across the UK, upheld by the dedication and service of our postmasters. We offer essential services that people rely on every day, from parcels and banking to identity and government services. While we continue to evolve with digital innovation, our commitment to personal, face-to-face service remains core to who we are.

Our journey is one of reflection, growth, and meaningful change. We’re looking for people who think differently. Those with resilience, purpose, and a deep sense of responsibility to our postmasters, partners and the communities they serve.

If you're driven by the chance to make a real impact and help shape a future, built on progress and integrity, we’d love to hear from you. For more details visit careers.postoffice.co.uk

Application Guidance

Our commitment to embracing diversity extends beyond just words. While we’ve outlined key skills above, we recognise that great candidates come from a variety of backgrounds. We value diverse perspectives and are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we recognise the value people with disabilities can bring to our business. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process or would like further details on the job description, please contact [email protected]

We’re thrilled by your interest in this opportunity and truly value every application we receive. Please note the advert may close early if we receive a high volume of applications. Unfortunately, we’re unable to provide individual feedback on all submissions.