Key Focus
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic IR Manager lead and manage all Industrial Relations (IR) activities at the plant, ensuring a harmonious work environment, effective union engagement, and compliant labour practices. The role is critical in driving wage settlements, handling unions, and enabling business continuity through proactive IR strategies.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Industrial Relations & Union Management
- Act as the primary interface between management and unions/workmen.
- Build and maintain constructive relationships with union leaders.
- Handle grievances, disputes, and disciplinary matters with maturity and fairness.
- Ensure industrial harmony and prevent work stoppages or disruptions.
- Wage Settlement & Negotiations
- Lead end-to-end wage settlement negotiations with unions.
- Develop negotiation strategies aligned with business objectives and cost structures.
- Manage long-term settlements, productivity-linked agreements, and revisions.
- Ensure closure within defined timelines while balancing employee expectations and business sustainability.
- Statutory Compliance & Legal
- Ensure compliance with all applicable labour laws (Factories Act, ID Act, CLRA, etc.).
- Liaise with labour authorities, government bodies, and external legal counsel.
- Represent the organization in conciliation, labour court, or tribunal matters.
- Discipline & Grievance Handling
- Drive fair and consistent disciplinary processes (domestic enquiries, warnings, suspensions).
- Address employee grievances through structured mechanisms.
- Promote a culture of transparency and accountability on the shop floor.
- Employee Engagement (Workmen)
- Design and execute engagement initiatives for workmen.
- Drive communication forums (toolbox talks, open houses, union meetings).
- Improve trust, morale, and productivity at the plant level.
- IR Strategy & Risk Management
- Identify potential IR risks and develop mitigation plans.
- Build proactive IR frameworks to prevent disputes.
- Align IR practices with organizational values and long-term people strategy.
Behavioural Competencies @
Team Excellence Level
Functional Competencies
- High Emotional Intelligence – ability to handle sensitive situations calmly
- Strong Negotiator – balances firmness with fairness
- Integrity & Fairness – trusted by both management and workmen
- Resilience & Composure – handles high-pressure IR situations effectively
- Influencing Skills – able to align diverse stakeholders
- Proactive Mindset – anticipates issues before escalation
- Grounded Leadership – strong presence on shop floor
- Strong Union Handling & Negotiation Skills
- Proven experience in Wage Settlements
- In-depth knowledge of Labour Laws & Compliance
- Experience in Disciplinary Processes & Domestic Enquiry
- Stakeholder Management (Union, Plant Leadership, Legal, Govt Authorities)
- Conflict Resolution & Crisis Management
Qualifications, Role-Specific Knowledge and Experience
- Education: Graduate in any discipline; MBA in HR & IR or LLB preferred.
- Experience: 12+ years of experience in Industrial Relations within a manufacturing/plant environment.
- Other important Skills:
- Proven track record of handling unions and managing long-term IR stability
- Hands-on experience in leading at least 1–2 full-cycle wage settlements independently
- Exposure to multi-union / complex IR environments preferred
- Experience in managing large blue-collar workforce (100+ workmen)
- Leadership and team management.
- Deeply committed to sustainability, safety, and ethics.
