IR Deputy Lead - Bridgwater

Altrad UK, Ireland & Nordics; Bridgwater; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Altrad are seeking an experienced IR Deputy Lead to support the management of industrial relations across the MEH Programme. This role is based in Bridgwater and focuses on fostering positive employee relations, engaging with recognised trade unions, and resolving IR issues before escalation.

Working with MEHJV partners, site IR teams, delivery partners and client representatives, you will lead on complex IR matters, support a Nuclear Safety Culture, and help ensure compliant, collaborative

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' industrial relations experience in a management role.
• Experience in nuclear or similarly regulated sector preferred.
• Proven track record negotiating with Trade Union officials.
• Experience engaging senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Ability to operate across multi-stakeholder environments.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a positive employee relations culture across the MEH Programme.
• Lead disputes resolution and industrial action discussions with MEHJV partners.
• Develop and implement the MEH Industrial Relations strategy and policies.
• Represent MEH in discussions on Sector Agreements and the Social Covenant.
• Engage with Trade Unions to facilitate changes in working patterns.
• Identify workforce risks and mitigate escalation with site IR team.

Skills

Industrial relations experience

Senior leadership communication

Leadership

Trade union negotiations

Stakeholder management

Client facing

Political awareness

Issue anticipation

Collaborative mindset

Education

Degree or equivalent qualification

CIPD qualification

Job description

Altrad are seeking an experienced and capable IR Deputy Lead to support the management of industrial relations across the MEH Programme.

This role will be based in Bridgwater and will play a key role in maintaining positive employee relations, supporting proactive engagement with recognised trade unions and resolving industrial relations issues before they escal.

Working closely with MEHJV partners, site IR teams, delivery partners, client representatives and trade union stakeholders, you will provide strong leadership on complex IR matters while supporting a positive Nuclear Safety Culture and collaborative approach across the programme.

Key Deliverables / Accountabilities

• Through proactive engagement with recognised stakeholders at all levels, maintain a positive culture of employee relations across the MEH Programme and minimise industrial disputes wherever practicable.
• Take the lead, involving MEHJV partners where required, in addressing and resolving disputes and industrial action, both official and unofficial, on behalf of MEH.
• Develop and ensure compliance with the MEH Industrial Relations strategy, policies and associated arrangements.
• Lead external discussions on behalf of MEH regarding the implementation, spirit and intent of Sector Agreements and the Social Covenant.
• Represent MEH at Local Joint Council meetings.
• Proactively engage with Regional Officers, Site Convenors and MEHA Shop Stewards from recognised Trade Unions to facilitate the smooth introduction of changes to working patterns and arrangements.
• Engage with the site IR team, local Site Convenors and Shop Stewards to identify and anticipate emerging issues and intervene early to resolve concerns and avoid escalation.
• Ensure MEH complies with all relevant employment legislation and regulations.
• Liaise regularly with the Client Employment Affairs Unit on industrial relations matters.
• Manage the provision of IR-related information to the Client team as required.
• Facilitate effective engagement and liaison with delivery partners, ensuring they are aware of and involved in issues affecting their workforce.
• Act as a point of escalation for unresolved grievances and support appropriate resolution.
• Support the Client in making representations to government on matters relating to the MEH workforce, including the introduction of non-UK workers where required.
• Manage stakeholder relationships around workforce and industrial relations matters involving external organisations and government bodies.
• Lead and foster a positive Nuclear Safety Culture across the MEH Programme.
• Role model positive safety behaviours and act as an ambassador for MEH on site.
• Provide visible and effective leadership across a broad range of industrial relations issues.
• Work collaboratively with HR, operational, legal and project teams to identify workforce risks and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Support the wider IR leadership team in maintaining workforce stability and supporting programme delivery.

Key Requirements / Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification.
• Relevant professional qualification, preferably CIPD qualified.
• Minimum 5 years' Industrial Relations experience in a management role within an industrial and unionised environment.
• Proven track record working on large-scale projects within the nuclear or similarly regulated sector, including major EPC projects.
• Ability to achieve BPSS or higher security clearance.
• Proven experience working within the nuclear or similarly regulated sector, including major construction projects.
• Effective communicator with experience operating at a senior leadership level.
• Strong leadership skills and experience managing a broad range of industrial relations issues.
• Proven experience engaging and negotiating with Trade Union officials at all levels.
• Positive, collaborative and pragmatic approach, with the ability to reach sensible compromise positions.
• Strong political awareness and understanding of complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships across multiple organisations, delivery partners, client teams and external stakeholders.
• Good client- and external-body-facing experience.
• Strong working knowledge of relevant training and funding organisations.
• Proven ability to anticipate workforce issues, identify risks and take proactive action to prevent escalation.
• Demonstrable record of success within the industrial relations discipline.