HR Projects Specialist

United Utilities’ (UU) purpose is to deliver great water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy, and benefits society. We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves. We uphold our ethics, values and business model to fulfil our mission and, by setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable long-term value for our colleagues, customers and communities.

Job Purpose

Are you looking for a rewarding career that showcases your HR projects experience, combining your knowledge of HR best practice and your passion for working on business change projects/programmes? If yes, then we have a fantastic opportunity for you at United Utilities (UU) as a HR Business Change Projects Specialist. This could include projects such as TUPE, Change and Transformation. This is an exciting and crucial role to make a real difference across the business as we step into our next huge phase of growth and transformation, known as AMP 8 in the water sector.

Reporting in to the Head of Employee relations, as a HR Manager you will be responsible for project management and delivery of the HR elements of our business projects. There will be great variety with both short and long-term projects to be managed such as TUPE transfers, changes to working practices/terms and conditions, restructures and new ways of working across any one of our many business areas. In order to be successful your CV will need to demonstrate in-depth experience of managing HR projects leading the way in evidencing your capabilities. You will have the opportunity to support the delivery of change projects working across business areas, you will therefore need to have strong experience in a fast paced, heavily unionised environment working closely with key stakeholders through transformation and change projects.

This role is based at our Lingley Mere head office in Warrington Head Office where in-person attendance is required to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration. There may also be requirements to visit our other North West sites depending on allocated projects.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Oversee HR aspects of business projects (owning the project plan from initiation to closure) including restructures, changes to terms and conditions, changes to working patterns, manage and oversee TUPE transfers, and establish new practices.
• You will plan and deliver daily/weekly project outputs, review business requirements to develop comprehensive project plans and manage risks to achieve our objectives and ensure successful delivery.
• Actively participate in HR team meetings, provide updates, advice, and guidance.
• Work with specialist HR functions (such as our Reward team, Training team and HRBPs) to ensure that changes are implemented effectively.
• You will also manage and run consultation activities, working in partnership with trade union groups.
• Manage HR work streams for key business and HR projects, ensuring timely delivery and achievement of project goals.
• Ensure all projects comply with company policies and employment legislation.
• Influence managers and trade unions, fostering good working relationships to enable the delivery of business as usual and people change project activity.
• Subject matter expert providing advice and guidance on complex HR related matters.

Technical Skills & Experience

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Knowledge of employment law and experience in business change projects and/or programmes such as TUPE transfers, restructures, reward projects, changes to T’s and C’s etc.
• Experience of working in a unionised environment either in your current role or previous employment.
• Excellent communication skills, managing relationships at all levels with the ability to influence decisions.
• Confident with HR best practice/approach and able to work under pressure, providing creative solutions to HR challenges.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications: CIPD qualified or working towards.

About the Team

We have a high performing, friendly, welcoming and collaborative team that thrives in an exciting, variable and fast paced environment in an incredibly rewarding role. We rely on every employee to ensure our customers receive the best possible service, day in, day out. In return, we ensure that you will be well rewarded for your efforts, from an excellent salary through to development opportunities that will really kick start a thriving career here at UU.