HR Business Partner

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 3-5 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.

Next Steps:

For further information or to apply for this HR Business Partner – Industrial Relations role, please contact Stephanie Mulholland.

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