Industrial Relations Lead

If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.

AWE is recruiting for an experienced Industrial Relations Lead to join the business.

Location: Located in Reading, with free onsite parking.

Package: Starting from £61,040 – £95,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application.

Ready to play your part?

At AWE, it’s not just a job, it’s far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe. Could this role be the opportunity for you to play your part?

We’re seeking an influential Industrial Relations specialist to play a pivotal role in shaping AWE’s relationship with its Trade Unions and employees. As our Industrial Relations Lead, you will champion a constructive, collaborative environment and act as the organisation’s expert voice on bargaining, consultation, and the practical application of employment policy and legislation. Your work will directly support AWE in achieving its strategic objectives.

You will bring a proven track record of leading successful relationships with recognised Trade Unions, demonstrating confidence, credibility and sound judgement in complex industrial relations environments. You will show deep knowledge of current employment and trade union legislation which will enable you to build trusted, productive partnerships and guide the business through sensitive and high‑impact matters.

If you’re driven by the challenge of influencing outcomes, shaping policy, and fostering positive employee and union engagement, we’d like to hear from you.

In the role you will:

• Support the industrial relations aspects of the local, regional and national business objectives enabling the objectives to be achieved whilst minimising risk.
• Act as a change agent in supporting delivery of business objectives through developing a clear understanding of business strategy and close collaborative relationships with business-facing HR teams, senior business leaders and other specialist functions.
• Support the implementation of appropriate bargaining and consultation strategies and tactics to achieve business objectives.
• Manage the bargaining and consultation agenda at local and regional level and lead on the employee relations aspects of the agenda.
• Provide industrial relations support when disputes arise to ensure that the company’s interests are protected and appropriate resolution and/or risk mitigation approaches are adopted.

Responsibilities in the role include:

• Contributing to the development of the overall industrial relations and employee relations strategy of the company.
• Contributing to the development and implementation of industrial relations and employee relations policies within the functions.
• Advising on industrial relations implications of business initiatives and act as a centre of knowledge and interpretation on policies, procedures and legislation.
• Developing positive relationships with senior business leaders and senior trade union representatives to provide a platform for the achievement of business aims.
• Modernising existing agreements so that they are fit for purpose and enable business aims to be met.

We’d also like you to have experience in some of the following:

• Significant industrial relations and employee relations experience of a large multisite complex unionised organisation
• In depth knowledge of HR policies and procedures and employment legislation
• An understanding of employment laws and HR regulations and best practices.
• Broad experience of advising on the industrial relations and employee relations implications of large scale complex organisational changes (eg TUPE, Organisation re-design, redundancy programmes etc)
• Excellent communication skills and ability to negotiate and influence effectively at all levels in the organisation
• Proven track record of operating in a large complex unionised environment

Some reasons we think you’ll love it here:

AWE has wide range of benefits to suit you. These include:

• 9-day working fortnight – meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
• Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
• Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
• Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.

The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.

Hybrid working is available for this role on an informal, non-contractual basis. Typically, 3 days on site per week.

#LI-SH1

Next steps:

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.

Important things you need to know:

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. 
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.