At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead industrial relations strategy for the Sizewell C project and engage with key stakeholders.
- Company: Join a pioneering team at Sizewell C, shaping the UK's low carbon future.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, generous leave, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to excellence and safety.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a landmark project that powers millions of homes.
- Qualifications: Experience in industrial relations and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
Sizewell C’s business is to design, finance, construct, commission, operate, maintain, and eventually decommission the nuclear power plant and related infrastructure at Sizewell C in Suffolk. Overall, whilst the Company is in the construction phase, the Boards’ principal focus is on the development and construction of Sizewell C on time, on budget and to the highest quality and safety standards. The Company is maturing to meet all these requirements.
Sizewell C is economically regulated by OFGEM under the RAB model similar to other UK electricity distribution networks and Thames Tideway. Sizewell C construction strategy is to replicate the design of Hinkley Point C, using the majority of the same supply chain, but innovating in the way it is delivered to achieve savings in time and cost of around 20%. The CCO will need to be guided by and incorporate lessons learned from the Hinkley Point C commercial delivery to achieve Sizewell C’s ambition.
Following Financial Completion and Revenue Commencement, Sizewell C is fully funded and is owned by; The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero representing HM Government, La Caisse, Centrica, EDF and Amber Infrastructure.
Location: Sizewell C, Leiston, Suffolk (office based 4 days per week)
Salary: £75,000 + bonus + excellent benefits including:
- Annual Leave: 28 days per annum, increasing to 30 days after 5 years of service, plus bank holidays.
- Bonus: Up to 5% annual bonus.
- Pension Contributions: Defined Contribution Pension Scheme with up to 7.5% employee contribution 15% employer contribution.
- Flexible Benefits: Additional allowance for a variety of benefits.
Contract type: Full time, permanent
Closing date: Wednesday the 24th of June 2026
The Opportunity
We are looking for an experienced Industrial Relations Lead to join the Sizewell C project and play a key role in shaping and delivering our industrial relations strategy across one of the UK’s largest and most complex infrastructure programmes.
Why Join as an Industrial Relations Lead?
- Act as a key advisor on industrial relations strategy at project level
- Influence outcomes across a large, complex and unionised workforce
- Work directly with senior leaders, trade unions and major contractors
- Play a critical role in maintaining stability and enabling successful project delivery
- Develop your experience in a highly regulated, nationally significant environment
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead and deliver industrial relations activity across Sizewell C, supporting the wider IR strategy
- Build strong, effective relationships with trade unions, contractors and key stakeholders
- Provide expert advice on collective agreements, employment law and complex IR matters
- Support the implementation and ongoing application of SZC agreements and standards
- Design and deliver industrial relations training to drive consistency across the project
- Monitor workforce activity and provide reporting to support decision making and compliance
- Partner with site leadership to manage workforce sentiment, risks and dispute resolution
- Take a hands‑on role in developing, reviewing and implementing IR policies, procedures and agreements
- Engage regularly across the construction site, maintaining visibility and understanding of workforce issues
- Work directly on live issues, helping to manage workforce sentiment, risks and dispute resolution in real time
Why Join Sizewell C?
Sizewell C is a once in a generation project that will play a vital role in the UK’s low carbon future. You will be joining a collaborative and purpose driven organisation focused on delivering safely, efficiently and to the highest standards. We offer the opportunity to make a real impact, work with industry leading experts and be part of a project that will power millions of homes for decades to come.
What We’re Looking For
- Significant experience in industrial relations, employee relations or a similar specialist role
- Strong experience working with trade unions and collective agreements
- Solid knowledge of employment law and industrial relations best practice
- Experience operating in large, complex or highly regulated organisations
- Ability to work at a senior level and influence a wide range of stakeholders
- Strong communication, negotiation and problem solving skills
- A pragmatic, hands‑on approach with a willingness to be directly involved in day-to-day delivery, not just strategy
- Experience within construction or engineering environments
- CIPD qualification or equivalent experience
To be appointed to this role, you will need to meet the criteria for Security Vetting, which will, ordinarily, require you to have been a resident of the UK for at least three of the past five years. At Sizewell C we encourage and embrace diversity and how it can improve our experience and performance at work. It is a requirement that those who join us have the right to work in the UK. Whilst sponsorship may be a possibility that we can explore, we are fully committed to local recruitment where possible, and those already holding the right to work in the UK.
Industrial relations Lead in Leiston employer: CWA
Sizewell C is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be part of a landmark project that is pivotal to the UK's low carbon future. With a strong focus on collaboration and safety, employees benefit from a supportive work culture, competitive salary, and generous benefits including a defined contribution pension scheme and flexible benefits. The company prioritises employee growth, providing avenues for professional development and the chance to work alongside industry-leading experts in a highly regulated environment.
