Head of Industrial Relations

Rullion; New Jersey; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Rullion is advertising a Head of Industrial Relations for the MEH Programme at Hinkley Point C. The role leads how the alliance engages with its workforce and unions, shaping stable, productive relationships across a major infrastructure project.

The post requires handling high-stakes negotiations and providing strategic IR direction across multiple partner organisations and the client, with site proximity for issue resolution.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading industrial relations in a unionised, major infrastructure or construction setting.
• Deep knowledge of ECSA or equivalent national agreements governing mechanical/electrical construction.
• Proven ability to negotiate with trade unions and workforce representatives.
• Strategic thinker with ability to build durable IR frameworks across multiple employers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an industrial relations framework reflecting the alliance model and construction phases.
• Lead liaison with recognised trade unions, aligning with national and local agreements.
• Negotiate pay, terms, and changes with partner HR teams and site management.
• Provide guidance on interpretation and application of ECSA.
• Support dispute prevention and resolution at site and programme level.
• Oversee disciplinary, grievance and dispute processes with HR across the alliance.
• Identify IR risks early with legal, HR and operations colleagues.

Job description

Hours of work

40 Hours Per Week - Monday to Friday

Role information

The MEH Programme at Hinkley Point C is entering a pivotal phase. We are looking for a Head of Industrial Relations to lead how the alliance engages with its workforce and trade unions, and to help deliver stable, productive and respectful working relationships across the programme. This is a strategic, programme-critical role. You will be the trusted voice on complex industrial relations matters, setting the direction and staying close enough to site to resolve issues as they arise. You will work across a multi-employer alliance, bringing consistency and alignment between partner organisations, union representatives and the client.

Responsibilities will include but not be limited to

• Develop and implement an industrial relations framework that reflects our alliance model and the demands of the construction and installation phases


• Act as the primary liaison with recognised trade unions, building constructive relationships and ensuring alignment with national and local agreements


• Lead negotiations and consultations on pay, terms, disputes and operational change, working with partner HR teams and site management


• Provide expert guidance on the interpretation and application of the ECSA


• Support dispute prevention and resolution at site and programme level, keeping the project free from avoidable disruption


• Provide oversight and assurance of disciplinary, grievance and dispute processes, working closely with HR teams across the alliance


• Partner with legal, HR and operational colleagues to identify IR risks early and prepare for both planned and emerging issues


• Represent the MEH Programme in alliance forums, national working groups and industry bodies

Qualifications/Experience

• Significant experience leading industrial relations in a unionised, major infrastructure or construction environment, ideally with alliance or JV complexity


• Deep knowledge of the ECSA and/or other national agreements governing mechanical and electrical construction work


• Confidence in high-stakes discussions and negotiations with trade unions and workforce representatives


• A strategic mindset, with the ability to anticipate risks and build frameworks that support long-term industrial stability and productivity


• Strong influencing and relationship-building skills across multiple employers, union reps and client stakeholders


• Political awareness, emotional intelligence and calm under pressure


• An understanding of cultural transformation programmes and the part industrial relations plays in enabling high performance

Please note All candidates MUST be eligible to work in the UK.

Company information

This contract is being advertised by Rullion Ltd.

Since 1978, Rullion has been securing exceptional candidates for a range of clients; from large well-known brands, to SMEs and start-ups. As a family-owned business, Rullion's approach is credible and honest, focused on building long-lasting relationships with both clients and candidates.

Rullion is a forward-thinking recruitment company that specialises in providing a wide range of talent consultancy services to a diverse client base; from small start-ups to large household names.

We celebrate and support diversity and are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants

Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.