Waddington Brown is partnering with a major manufacturing organisation in Norwich to appoint an experienced Employee Relations Consultant on an initial 6-month fixed-term contract. This is a high-impact role working closely with the Group HR Director to help shape and strengthen employee and industrial relations across a large, unionised workforce.

This opportunity would suit a commercially minded ER specialist who thrives in complex environments, enjoys building trusted stakeholder relationships, and can confidently influence at both operational and strategic levels. You will lead with confidence, and play a visible and influential role within a large-scale manufacturing operation, helping shape industrial relations strategy during a key period for the business

What’s on offer

• Flexible working arrangements available
• Option to work part-time (4 days per week, Monday–Thursday)
• 23 days annual leave pro rata
• Medical – single cover
• 1 day off for birthday
• Pension 3% employer contribution
• Access to recognition and benefits platform – with high street discounts
• Opportunity to work within a well-established, values-led organisation

Key responsibilities as Employee Relations Consultant

• Lead the delivery of the industrial relations strategy across the manufacturing division, supporting the successful implementation of collective agreements
• Develop credible, collaborative relationships with trade union representatives and operational stakeholders to support positive workforce engagement and minimise industrial relations risk
• Act as a trusted advisor on complex individual and collective employment matters, balancing legal compliance, operational priorities and employee engagement
• Support the design and facilitation of industrial relations training for managers and internal stakeholders
• Oversee workforce data, reporting and governance activity, ensuring robust audit and compliance standards are maintained

About you

You will bring:

• CIPD qualification or degree-level education in a relevant discipline
• Proven experience managing industrial relations within a unionised environment
• Strong working knowledge of employment law and collective consultation processes
• A track record of building credible and constructive relationships with trade unions
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills

Due to the relationship-focused nature of the role, regular on-site presence is important, although there is flexibility to work from home on occasion. The role can also be undertaken on a part-time basis, with Friday as the non-working day. If this role sounds of interest to you and you are able to start at short notice, please reach out to Eithne Sanders at Waddington Brown for an informal conversation.