Manager - Industrial Relations

Role & responsibilities

Manager (IR) is responsible for supporting the implementation of IR policies and procedures at ground level. The role involves coordinating grievance handling processes, maintaining documentation, and supporting communication between management, employees, and unions.

Key Responsibilities Industrial Relations Manager

1. Industrial Relations Strategy & Union Management

• Manage Industrial Relations in a unionized environment.
• Build and sustain constructive relationships with union leadership and workmen.
• Develop and implement IR strategies to maintain industrial harmony.

2. Collective Bargaining & Negotiations

• Lead and drive union negotiations for long-term settlements (LTS).
• Prepare negotiation agendas, data, and benchmarking inputs.
• Support and participate in discussions with union representatives and finalize agreements.

3. Implementation of Settlements & Agreements

• Ensure execution and monitoring of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
• Drive adherence to agreed settlements, service conditions, and IR policies across departments.

4. Employee & Union Communication

• Establish structured communication channels between management and workforce.
• Facilitate regular dialogue to ensure transparency, trust, and mutual understanding.
• Support proactive communication to prevent escalation of issues.

5. Workmen Committees & Engagement Forums

• Coordinate and facilitate meetings of statutory and non-statutory committees (Productivity, Safety, Canteen, Welfare, etc.).
• Strengthen committee effectiveness and employee participation.

6. Grievance Management System

• Oversee grievance handling process including receipt, documentation, tracking, and closure.
• Ensure fair, timely, and confidential resolution of grievances.
• Identify recurring issues and drive preventive actions.

7. Discipline Management & Domestic Enquiries

• Manage disciplinary processes including issuance of show-cause notices and charge sheets.
• Conduct and oversee domestic enquiries adhering to principles of natural justice.
• Ensure proper documentation, decision-making, and communication of outcomes.

8. Legal Representation & Case Management

• Represent the company in industrial disputes before labour courts, tribunals, and authorities.
• Coordinate legal documentation and support proceedings related to employment matters.

9. Labour Law Compliance & Statutory Management

• Ensure compliance with labour laws, standing orders, and statutory requirements.
• Maintain statutory registers, returns, notices, and filings.
• Liaise with labour authorities and support audits/inspections.

10. IR Risk Management & Early Warning Systems

• Monitor workplace environment and union activities for potential risks.
• Identify early warning signals such as unrest, dissatisfaction, or compliance gaps.
• Maintain IR risk register and implement preventive strategies.

11. Welfare Programs & Workmen Well-being

• Design and manage employee welfare initiatives and schemes.
• Ensure effective implementation of welfare policies to enhance engagement and satisfaction.

12. Cross-functional Coordination

• Collaborate closely with Production, HR, Compliance, Contractors, and Supervisors.
• Ensure alignment in policy interpretation and consistent implementation across functions.

13. Documentation, MIS & Reporting

• Maintain comprehensive records of grievances, disciplinary actions, union interactions, and compliance.
• Prepare periodic MIS reports on IR trends, risk indicators, and compliance status.
• Draft agendas, minutes, and documentation for meetings and audits.

14. Continuous Improvement & IR Excellence

• Analyse IR data (grievances, disciplinary cases, incidents) for trends and root causes.
• Identify systemic gaps and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Drive standardization, process improvements, and initiatives to enhance industrial harmony.