Head of Industrial Relations

Millbank; Bridgwater; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Millbank Holdings Ltd seeks a Head of Industrial Relations to lead the alliance-wide IR agenda for the MEH Programme across multiple sites. You will guide engagement with trade unions, ensure adherence to collective agreements, and drive proactive resolution of workplace issues to support project success.

You will shape the IR framework, supervise disciplinary and grievance processes, and coordinate with partner HR and legal teams to manage risks and promote high performance.

Qualifications

• Extensive IR leadership experience on large-scale, unionised infrastructure projects.
• Deep knowledge of ECSA, NAECI and related national agreements.
• Proven track record in high-stakes union negotiations.
• Strong political acumen and resilience under pressure.
• Ability to influence across multiple employers and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an IR strategy for the MEH Programme across sites.
• Lead negotiations with recognised trade unions on pay and terms.
• Ensure compliance with ECSA/NAECI and national agreements.
• Oversee disciplinary, grievance and dispute processes with HR teams.
• Identify IR risks early and coordinate with legal, HR and operations.

Skills

IR Leadership

Union Negotiation

Strategic Planning

Stakeholder Mgmt

Emotional Intelligence

Job description

Do you have experience of nuclear or power station projects governed by NAECI or ECSA agreements?

Do you want to make a difference in this strategic role?

The Opportunity

As the Head of Industrial Relations, you will play a pivotal leadership role within the MEH Programme, guiding the alliance’s approach to workforce engagement across all sites. Your strategic oversight will ensure constructive interactions with trade unions, adherence to collective agreements, and the proactive resolution of workplace issues, fostering a harmonious and productive work environment. This is a critical, programme-level position that demands trusted leadership on complex IR matters, while also supporting site-level consistency and aligning with partner organisations to deliver project success.

Your duties and responsibilities will be

• Develop and execute a comprehensive industrial relations strategy tailored to the unique alliance model of the MEH Programme, covering construction and installation phases.
• Serve as the primary liaison with recognised trade unions, nurturing constructive relationships and ensuring alignment with national and local collective agreements.
• Lead negotiations and consultations on vital workforce issues—including pay, terms and conditions, dispute resolution, and operational changes—in collaboration with partner HR teams and site management.
• Provide expert guidance on compliance with the Engineering Construction Sector Agreement (ECSA) and other relevant national agreements, interpreting and applying them to support effective workforce management.
• Support site-level and programme-wide dispute prevention and resolution, ensuring consistent handling to minimise disruption.
• Oversee disciplinary, grievance, and dispute processes, working closely with embedded HR teams to uphold fairness and transparency.
• Collaborate with legal, HR, and operational teams to identify IR risks early, preparing the programme to address planned or emergent issues effectively.
• Represent the MEH Programme in alliance forums, national industry working groups, and relevant industry bodies, promoting best IR practices and strategic influence.

You will have the following qualifications & experience

• Extensive experience leading industrial relations within unionised, large-scale infrastructure or construction projects, particularly in alliance or joint venture environments.
• Deep knowledge of the ECSA and/or other national agreements relevant to mechanical and electrical construction such as NAECI
• Proven confidence and skill in high-stakes negotiations with trade unions and workforce representatives.
• Strategic thinker capable of foreseeing risks and implementing frameworks that promote long-term workforce stability, high performance, and labour productivity.
• Exceptional influencing and relationship-building skills, particularly across multiple employers, union representatives, and stakeholder groups.
• Strong political awareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience to maintain professionalism under pressure.
• Understanding of how industrial relations support cultural transformation and high-performance environments.

Millbank Holdings Ltd is an equal opportunities employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background, and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

We are proud to be a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, and we are committed to ensuring an accessible and supportive recruitment process for everyone. If you require any adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Millbank operates as both an Employment Agency and an Employment Business.