Industrial Relations Deputy Lead

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: £66,000 - £83,000
Location: Bristol
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

The Role

The MEH Programme at Hinkley Point C is entering a pivotal stage of delivery, and we are seeking an experienced Industrial Relations Deputy Lead to support this critical phase. Working closely with the Head of Department, you will help shape and lead the alliance's approach to workforce and trade union engagement, promoting stable, productive and positive industrial relations across the programme.

This is a strategic, programme-critical role requiring someone who can act as a trusted advisor on complex industrial relations matters, provide clear direction and maintain a strong site presence to proactively identify and resolve issues.

Working within a multi-employer alliance, you will help ensure consistency and alignment between partner organisations, trade unions and the client, supporting collaborative working relationships and successful programme delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote positive employee relations and minimise industrial disputes across the MEH Programme.

• Lead the resolution of industrial disputes and official or unofficial industrial action.

• Develop, implement and ensure compliance with the MEH Industrial Relations strategy and policies.

• Lead external discussions regarding Sector Agreements and the Social Covenant.

• Represent MEH at Local Joint Council.

• Build effective relationships with trade union Regional Officers, site Convenors and Shop Stewards.

• Identify emerging workforce issues and intervene early to prevent escalation.

• Ensure compliance with relevant employment legislation and regulations.

• Liaise regularly with the Client Employment Affairs Unit and provide IR information as required.

• Engage delivery partners and ensure they are informed of workforce issues affecting their teams.

• Act as the escalation point for unresolved grievances.

• Support the Client with government representations relating to the MEH workforce, including non-UK workforce requirements.

• Promote and lead a positive Nuclear Safety Culture.

• Role model strong safety behaviours and act as an ambassador for MEH on site.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or equivalent qualification.

• Relevant professional qualification, preferably CIPD.

• Minimum 5 years' Industrial Relations experience in a management role within a unionised environment.

• Proven experience working on large-scale projects in the nuclear, construction, engineering or similarly regulated sectors, ideally major EPC projects.

• Strong understanding of industrial relations and experience working with trade unions at all levels.

• Proven leadership and stakeholder management skills.

• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities, with a practical and collaborative approach.

• Politically aware, with the ability to operate effectively within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

• Strong client and external stakeholder-facing experience.

• Positive, proactive "can-do" attitude and ability to achieve sensible compromise.

• Demonstrable track record of success within Industrial Relations.

• Must be able to achieve SC security clearance.

Important: All candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.

Apply Now

Interested in this position? Please click "Apply Now" to submit your application.

We aim to respond to all applicants, although this may not always be possible due to high application volumes. If you have not heard from us within 14 days, unfortunately your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

About Rullion

This vacancy is being advertised by Rullion Ltd.

Established in 1978, Rullion is a family-owned recruitment company specialising in talent consultancy and recruitment services across a diverse range of clients, from major household names to SMEs and start-ups.

We pride ourselves on building credible, honest and long-lasting relationships with both clients and candidates. Rullion is committed to diversity, inclusion and providing equal opportunities for all employees and applicants.