Virgin Atlantic
Lead - Negotiator - The VHQ
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Location: Hybrid - VHQ in Crawley, West Sussex or Heathrow Airport – hybrid working policy 3 days onsite
Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract Type: Fixed Term 6 months with the potential for an extension
Closing Date: 24th July
At Virgin Atlantic Airways, we believe that everyone can take on the world, and it's our vision to become the most loved travel company. As we embark on this next exciting stage of our journey, we're harnessing our spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation to challenge the status quo.
In a nutshell
As our Lead Pilot Negotiator, you'll be the lead industrial relations specialist for the Flight Operations pilot community, leading complex negotiations that shape the future of our pilot workforce.
Working with senior leaders and recognised trade union representatives, you'll develop negotiation strategies, provide expert advice, and help deliver commercially balanced, legally compliant outcomes that support both our people and our operation. This is a unique opportunity to influence high-profile workforce decisions while building trusted relationships across Virgin Atlantic.
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Day to day
As our Lead Pilot Negotiator, you will:
- Lead complex negotiations relating to pilot collective agreements and workforce arrangements.
- Develop negotiation strategies and bargaining proposals that support Flight Operations objectives.
- Provide specialist industrial relations advice on workforce initiatives, organisational change, and employment matters.
- Build trusted relationships with recognised trade union representatives and senior stakeholders.
- Assess the operational, commercial, and financial impact of negotiation proposals, providing clear recommendations.
- Support the modernisation of collective agreements to ensure they remain fit for the future.
- Help resolve complex workforce issues through collaborative engagement and constructive dialogue.
- Keep up to date with employment legislation and industrial relations best practice.
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About You
We're looking for an experienced industrial relations professional who thrives in complex, unionised environments and enjoys influencing positive business outcomes through collaboration, negotiation, and sound judgement.
In addition to the above, we'd love for our successful candidate to demonstrate:
- Significant experience leading complex negotiations.
- Extensive industrial and employee relations experience.
- Strong understanding of employment legislation and industrial relations practice.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
- Strong analytical and decision-making capability.
- Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills.
If this sounds like you, and you would like to unlock your potential with us, we would love to hear from you!
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