What does an industrial relations manager do?
Industrial relations managers maintain harmonious relationships between an organisation’s management and employees, focusing on labour relations, employee welfare, and compliance with labour laws. They act as liaisons between the workforce and management, ensuring communication remains open and resolving conflicts swiftly.
The role of industrial relations managers includes overseeing negotiations between employers and employees, managing labour disputes, and ensuring that the company’s policies comply with labour regulations. They work closely with trade unions, employee representatives, and other stakeholders to negotiate contracts, mediate disputes, and implement policies to promote a positive work environment.
In the Indian corporate context, where labour laws and employee relations are complex and diverse, these professionals ensure that the organisation complies with local, state, and national labour laws, minimising the risk of legal challenges. They also help companies avoid labour strikes and legal conflicts, addressing employee grievances promptly.
Industrial relations managers are also called industrial relations specialists or labour relations managers. However, they differ from employee relations managers as the latter focuses more on employee engagement and satisfaction rather than union negotiations.
Job Description: Template
We’re seeking a detail-oriented industrial relations manager to join our team at [Company X].
The person will play a key role in maintaining steady relationships between management and employees by managing labour relations, resolving conflicts, and ensuring compliance with labour laws and regulations. This role involves negotiating collective agreements, addressing grievances, and fostering a positive working environment.
If you have a deep understanding of Indian labour laws, negotiation skills, and a passion for employee relations, this role is ideal for you. We offer a dynamic work environment, competitive compensation, and the opportunity to impact employee relations significantly.
Objectives of the role
- Developing and implementing industrial relations strategies that align with organisational objectives.
- Establishing and fostering positive relationships between management, employees, and trade unions.
- Negotiating and managing collective bargaining agreements to ensure fair and equitable outcomes.
- Addressing employee grievances and disputes, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
- Advising management on labour laws, compliance requirements, and best practices in employee relations.
- Leading efforts to ensure a harmonious workplace environment and minimise labour conflicts.
- Training managers on labour relations practices, conflict resolution, and compliance.
- Conducting regular audits of industrial relations practices to ensure compliance and fairness.
Your tasks
- Manage collective bargaining negotiations with trade unions, ensuring alignment with business goals.
- Handle employee grievances and disciplinary procedures as per company policies and legal requirements.
- Manage collective bargaining processes, including negotiating terms and conditions of employment.
- Conduct investigations into workplace issues and provide recommendations for resolution.
- Monitor industrial disputes, strikes, and other work stoppages, and take steps to prevent or mitigate their impact.
- Advise senior management on emerging trends in labour relations and their potential impact on the organisation.
- Develop and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including legal counsel and government agencies.
- Track and report on industrial relations metrics, such as absenteeism, employee turnover, and dispute resolution times.
- Maintain accurate and detailed records of all industrial relations activities, including grievances, disciplinary actions, and union negotiations.
- Stay updated on the latest amendments to labour laws and ensure the company’s policies are updated accordingly.
Required skills and qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Law, or a related field.
- 5-7 years of proven experience as an Industrial Relations Manager or in a similar role focused on labour relations or industrial relations.
- Strong knowledge of Indian labour laws, collective bargaining processes, and best practices for employee relations.
- Expertise in handling employee disputes, grievances, and conflict resolution.
- Experience in managing industrial relations in a manufacturing or large-scale industrial setting.
- Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to handle complex employee issues.
- Experience in dealing with trade unions and managing large-scale industrial disputes.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with employees, unions, and management.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence decision-making.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to assess situations and provide practical solutions.
- Ability to manage relationships with trade unions and employee representatives.
- Strong understanding of employee engagement and retention strategies.
- Multilingual proficiency to communicate with workers across diverse regions of India.
Preferred skills and qualifications
- Master’s degree in Industrial Relations, Human Resources, or Law.
- Certifications in conflict resolution, employee relations, or labour law compliance.
- Knowledge of international labour standards and how they apply to Indian law.
- Experience with labour union negotiations in a diverse, multilingual workforce.
- Familiarity with dispute resolution mechanisms such as arbitration and mediation.
- Strong understanding of labour market trends and their impact on employee relations.
- Previous experience in labour court representation and legal proceedings.
- Ability to develop and implement long-term strategies to improve industrial relations.
