Job Description

Location: Birmingham, B37 7YE

Hours of work: 37.5

Contract Type: Permanent

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Union Relationships to lead our trade union engagement and shape the company's long-term union relationship strategy.



This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to make a significant impact now while also preparing for progression, with the potential to step up into a more senior role within 2-3 years.

As a key member of the People & Culture team, you will be responsible for setting the direction of our union engagement approach, building and maintaining strong, productive relationships with trade unions and representative bodies.



You will act as a trusted advisor to the senior leadership team, supporting them in navigating a rapidly evolving industrial relations landscape and ensuring alignment with the wider people agenda.



This role offers both influence and visibility at a senior level, making it an excellent opportunity for a forward-thinking professional ready to drive positive change and position themselves for future progression.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement UK and segment industrial relations strategies in line with organisational goals and legal requirements. Act as primary contact for unions, leading negotiations on collective bargaining, pay, and recognition agreements. Manage industrial disputes through negotiation, mediation, and risk mitigation strategies. Provide training and guidance to managers and P&C Business Partners to build union relations capability. Deliver expert insights on industrial relations trends, risks, and opportunities. Build strong relationships with trade unions, clients, and representative bodies. Support TUPE and bid processes with expert advice.

Professional and Personal Competencies/Qualifications

Extensive experience in trade union or labour relations within a complex, unionised environment (outsourcing experience advantageous). Proven track record of leading union strategy and pay negotiations at a senior level. Strong knowledge of collective agreements and employment/labour law. Skilled in conflict resolution and fostering positive industrial relations. Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills. Understanding of reward strategies and their organisational impact. Part-qualified Employment Law Solicitor or CIPD Level 5.

The Company

ISS is a world-leading workplace and facility management company, connecting people and places to make the world work better. Working with customers day by day, side by side, we understand every aspect of the user experience.




Through a unique combination of intelligent solutions, high standards and people who care, to help our customers achieve their purpose, whether it's hospitals healing patients, businesses producing the next great innovation, or airports bringing passengers home to their families. ISS is committed to doing business the right way, taking its corporate responsibility very seriously. Our passion is people.




We offer you a challenging and exciting career in an organisation with people at its heart. In ISS, everyone has the opportunity to develop, grow and make a difference. #ISSGreatPeople #ISSTalent #PeopleMakePlace




ISS is proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer.




ISS welcomes all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race (which includes race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin and caste), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or educational background.




We are a Disability Confident Committed (Level 2) employer, proudly supporting and promoting inclusive hiring practices in line with the UK government's Disability Confident scheme.




Our passion for inclusivity and diversity makes ISS a more creative, productive and happy place to work.




If you have any further queries regarding this role, please contact the Resourcing Team by emailing resourcing.team@uk.issworld.com




If you are interested in learning about other opportunities at ISS, please join our Talent community by clicking on the following link: TalentPlace







To find out more about what we do - https://www.uk.issworld.com/