Do you have experience of nuclear or power station projects governed by NAECI or ECSA agreements?
Do you want to make a difference in this strategic role?
The Opportunity
As the Head of Industrial Relations, you will play a pivotal leadership role within the MEH Programme, guiding the alliance’s approach to workforce engagement across all sites. Your strategic oversight will ensure constructive interactions with trade unions, adherence to collective agreements, and the proactive resolution of workplace issues, fostering a harmonious and productive work environment. This is a critical, programme-level position that demands trusted leadership on complex IR matters, while also supporting site-level consistency and aligning with partner organisations to deliver project success.
Your duties and responsibilities will be
- Develop and execute a comprehensive industrial relations strategy tailored to the unique alliance model of the MEH Programme, covering construction and installation phases.
- Serve as the primary liaison with recognised trade unions, nurturing constructive relationships and ensuring alignment with national and local collective agreements.
- Lead negotiations and consultations on vital workforce issues—including pay, terms and conditions, dispute resolution, and operational changes—in collaboration with partner HR teams and site management.
- Provide expert guidance on compliance with the Engineering Construction Sector Agreement (ECSA) and other relevant national agreements, interpreting and applying them to support effective workforce management.
- Support site-level and programme-wide dispute prevention and resolution, ensuring consistent handling to minimise disruption.
- Oversee disciplinary, grievance, and dispute processes, working closely with embedded HR teams to uphold fairness and transparency.
- Collaborate with legal, HR, and operational teams to identify IR risks early, preparing the programme to address planned or emergent issues effectively.
- Represent the MEH Programme in alliance forums, national industry working groups, and relevant industry bodies, promoting best IR practices and strategic influence.
You will have the following qualifications & experience
- Extensive experience leading industrial relations within unionised, large-scale infrastructure or construction projects, particularly in alliance or joint venture environments.
- Deep knowledge of the ECSA and/or other national agreements relevant to mechanical and electrical construction such as NAECI
- Proven confidence and skill in high-stakes negotiations with trade unions and workforce representatives.
- Strategic thinker capable of foreseeing risks and implementing frameworks that promote long-term workforce stability, high performance, and labour productivity.
- Exceptional influencing and relationship-building skills, particularly across multiple employers, union representatives, and stakeholder groups.
- Strong political awareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience to maintain professionalism under pressure.
- Understanding of how industrial relations support cultural transformation and high-performance environments.
Millbank Holdings Ltd is an equal opportunities employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background, and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
We are proud to be a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, and we are committed to ensuring an accessible and supportive recruitment process for everyone. If you require any adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Millbank operates as both an Employment Agency and an Employment Business.
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Head of Industrial Relations in Bridgwater employer: Millbank
Millbank Holdings Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a significant impact on critical defence infrastructure programmes. With a strong focus on employee development and collaboration, we provide opportunities for professional growth while fostering a culture of teamwork and innovation. Located in a vibrant area, our on-site roles allow you to engage directly with projects, ensuring your contributions are both meaningful and rewarding.
