HR Business Partner – Industrial Relations
Location: Belfast
Contract Type: Permanent | 37.5 hours per week
Excellent salary and benefits
Company Overview
Our Client is an award winning employer with an impressive brand portfolio and multiple sites. A long-established organisation with a proud heritage of innovation, community focus, and growth across Ireland and beyond. The business supports a wide network of partners and operates with a strong commitment to sustainability, collaboration, and trust.
Due to continued success and growth, our client is keen to appoint an experienced and proactive HR Business Partner – Industrial Relations. This is a fantastic opportunity for an HR professional with strong industrial relations experience to help shape policy, lead negotiations, and support a positive employee relations culture across our operations.
Top Things to Know About This Job:
- Strategic influence – Lead on Industrial Relations and Employee Relations strategy across Northern Ireland operations.
- Collaborative culture – Work closely with senior leaders and HR colleagues to maintain a fair and partnership-focused working environment.
- Career development – Join a respected, values-driven organisation that promotes professional growth and innovation.
The Role:
- Act as a trusted advisor to leadership and HR teams, developing and implementing effective IR and ER practices.
- Lead trade union negotiations, manage complex casework, and help embed best practice across the business.
- Develop and implement industrial relations policies and practices that support positive outcomes.
- Partner with senior management and HR colleagues to ensure a consistent, partnership-driven IR approach.
- Lead trade union negotiations and maintain strong, constructive relationships with employee representatives.
- Manage third-party referrals and act as the company’s representative in external hearings.
- Act as a subject matter expert on industrial relations issues, advising HR and line managers.
- Provide coaching and training to managers and local HR teams on IR best practices.
- Ensure consistent case management and resolution of employee relations matters.
- Lead people aspects of change management initiatives.
- Contribute to HR projects, forums, and engagement sessions to drive improvement and consistency across the organisation.
The Person:
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in Industrial Relations or a HR role with a strong IR/ER focus.
- Proven track record in trade union negotiations and third-party representation.
- Degree in HR, Business, Law or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Strong understanding of employment law and industrial relations frameworks.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and presentation skills.
- Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and confident using digital HR systems.
- Full driving licence and flexibility to travel across Northern Ireland and Ireland as needed.
The Rewards:
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- New, permanent role
- Bonus
- Working 4 days on site
- Belfast based with multiple sites across NI
- Highly successful, expanding Organisation
- Healthcare
- Generous annual leave
- Attractive pension scheme
- Free car parking
- Excellent opportunities for career progression and professional development.
- A supportive, collaborative, and values-driven culture.
- The opportunity to make a real impact in a respected and growing organisation.
Close date Monday 3rd November 2025.
Next Steps:
For further information or to apply for this HR Business Partner – Industrial Relations role, please contact Stephanie Mulholland.
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