Industrial Relations Manager
Tasks & duties
Industrial relations managers may do some or all of the following:
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negotiate and manage employment agreements
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act as a management spokesperson in union and employment negotiations
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manage strikes
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investigate complaints about employees, employers and employment conditions
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provide managers with knowledge and support on employment legislation and issues
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review and make submissions on employment relations legislation on behalf of the company
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work with management to prepare strategies and proposals for employment agreements
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work with management to prepare strategies for recruitment, remuneration, learning development, health and safety and other human resources issues
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work with management and employees on ways to establish good work relationships
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work with management regarding employee performance and conduct
Industrial relations is a specific field within human resources. In smaller organisations the role of an industrial relations manager may be performed by the human resources manager, another manager or by an external consultant.
Skills & knowledge
Industrial relations managers need to have:
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knowledge of employment contracts, and employment labour and laws
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knowledge of industrial relations legislation including the Employment Relations Act
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knowledge of employment court processes and judgements, and decisions passed by the Employment Relations Authority
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excellent people skills, including the ability to deal with employers and employees
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maths skills for working out remuneration systems (what people are paid)
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the ability to interpret information, particularly with regard to employment contracts
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excellent research skills
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the ability to use a variety of computer programs
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problem-solving skills
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organisation skills
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good communication skills, including listening and negotiation skills
Entry requirements
To become an industrial relations manager it is recommended that you obtain a university degree, such as a general business degree majoring in human resources or industrial relations, or an arts or law degree.
Secondary education
A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. Bursary or NCEA equivalent English, accounting, mathematics, economics and computer studies may be useful.
Tertiary education
A postgraduate qualification in human resources or industrial relations is useful.
Training on the job
Many skills are gained on the job. Industrial relations managers may attend seminars, conferences and briefing sessions on various aspects of their work, including changes in the law and computer training. Industrial relations managers may also attend facilitation and mediation courses, and courses held by the Employers and Manufacturers Association, New Zealand Law Society and The New Zealand Institute of Management.
Useful experience
Useful experience for industrial relations managers includes work as a union official or delegate or an employer representative. Human resources work or legal work is useful, as is experience interacting with people and finding out what their needs are.
Related courses
Business Management
Human Resource Management
Industrial Relations
Organisation Management
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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