Employee Relations Manager (Labour Relations)

Job Description

Job Title: Employee Relations Manager (Labour Relations)

Location: Preston, Samlesbury, Barrow-in-Furness, Portsmouth or Scotstoun; Glasgow with occasional national travel. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: Circa £70,000 + executive benefits

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

What you’ll be doing:

In this role, you will play a key part in shaping and delivering the organisation’s Labour Relations and Collective Voice strategy, supporting the development of a culture built on constructive partnership with Trade Unions and employee representatives. You will lead on key strategic initiatives and transformative projects that strengthen engagement structures and ensure employees have a meaningful voice across the organisation. This includes supporting and leading on key elements of the organisation’s response to upcoming legislative changes under the Employment Rights Act. You will work closely with senior ER colleagues, sector leaders and employee representatives to manage corporate consultation relationships, support collective consultation and negotiation activity such as pay discussions, and ensure effective governance across the Labour Relations landscape. Alongside this, you will collaborate across the wider ER community to deliver consistent Labour Relations solutions, share best practice and use insight to inform the ongoing development of the organisation’s ER strategy.

Core duties:

• Proven Labour Relations experience in a unionised environment
• Experience leading or supporting collective consultation and negotiation activity, including pay and organisational change discussions
• Experience building and managing relationships with Trade Union officials and employee representatives
• Experience supporting or delivering Labour Relations strategy, engagement frameworks, or governance
• Knowledge of UK employment legislation affecting Trade Union access, recognition, and consultation
• Experience coordinating Labour Relations activity across business functions or sectors, ensuring consistent approaches

The Employee Relations Team:

You will join the Employee Relations team within Group HR at Head Office, reporting to the Head of People Policies and Practice. The team plays a pivotal role in shaping Labour Relations across a heavily unionised environment, providing expert advice and leading consultation and negotiation with Trade Unions. You will work in a high-performing, collaborative team that thrives on managing complex and challenging situations, resolving disputes, and delivering solutions that directly support business objectives. This is an exciting opportunity to influence Labour Relations strategy, contribute to transformative projects, and make a tangible impact across the organisation.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 6th April 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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