Lead People Partner

National Grid is at the forefront of the energy transition to Net Zero in the UK. We need to deliver on more infrastructure development projects in the next 10 years than ever before and fundamentally change the way our grid works to achieve our Net Zero ambitions. The Strategic Infrastructure (SI) business unit was set up to deliver new major projects in the UK, as well as other strategic projects that will help us deliver on our net zero ambitions and help the UK government meet its target of 50GW of renewable energy by 2030.

To help deliver the major projects that are being constructed ‘onshore’ (on land), SI is integrating with several partner organisations who will carry out various roles within the construction of these projects in what is known as the ‘GGP’ – Great Grid Partnership (an Enterprise). Due to the size and nature of the projects, we will be partnering with these organisations for the next decade and beyond and will be working closer with our partners than ever before.

We are currently recruiting for a Lead People Partner to partner with the Director of Onshore Delivery and the Great Grid Partnership Director and their departments. As the Lead People Partner you will determine, shape and deliver the people priorities which support the business strategy and have a direct, positive impact on the business. This includes providing a dedicated and tailored HR service on strategic people related solutions including talent, DEI, succession and development planning. This role is a great opportunity to partner with senior teams, experience transformation and build and embed a long-term HR strategy in a fast changing environment.

If you are an experienced People Partner with strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of HR strategy and an ability to foster a collaborative work environment we would love to hear from you! The location for the role is Birmingham or Warwick with hybrid working. We require a flexible approach to work with the ability to travel to other offices/sites. The customer unit you partner is based in Birmingham with an expectation you would be there 1-2 days per week, as well as regular travel to Warwick (where the people team is based).

Key Accountabilities

• Partner with senior leadership to develop, deliver and embed a Strategic People Plan focused on culture and transformational change that are aligned to business goals and adapted for changing needs.
• Co-create and lead on the cultural transformation roadmap for the Great Grid Partnership that fosters a high performance, inclusive and safety-driven work environment.
• Champion diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts to create a collaborative and engaged workforce.
• Support on change management initiatives, ensuring smooth transitions between organisational shifts.
• Identify strategic resourcing requirements (including current and projected skill/capability gaps) and work with managers and the recruitment partner to develop and execute strategic resourcing plans.
• Provide high quality, consistent, risk and evidence-based advice for all levels of management and people leaders within the assigned business areas for all matters related to the management of employees.
• Support the talent agenda for the business units, chairing quarterly forums to drive forward priorities.
• Work with a range of specialist colleagues within the Group People Function and with Chief People Officer, to provide tailored, best practice solutions to business problems.
• Working closely with ER specialists to ensure compliance with policies and procedures to minimise the number of tribunals, grievances and complaints that occur because of breaches of procedure.
• Proactively seek opportunities to build knowledge of the business area and requirements to provide tailored ‘fit for purpose’ advice.
• Work within the established TU frameworks to ensure issues are raised and addressed in a timely manner, representing the business unit on established groups and forums as required.

About you

• Proven experience in People Partner / HR business partner roles, where you have developed and implemented people strategies.
• Broad knowledge and experience across the full spectrum of HR activities to provide a rounded service to the business area.
• Experienced and confident in working with collective bargaining units and maintaining effective Employee Relations.
• Strong background in cultural transformation, change management and organizational development.
• Confident decision maker who is able to analyse complex situations.
• Experience of leading initiatives supporting talent management, succession planning and reward management programmes, challenging senior stakeholders where appropriate.
• Experience of working within a varied workforce and exposure to a unionised environment.
• Sound knowledge and practical application of current UK employment law, procedures and processes.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team as required.
• Experienced and confident in managing complex ER cases from end to end.
• Flexible approach to work and able to travel to other offices/sites.

What you'll get

A competitive salary between £62,000 - £74,000 – dependent on experience and capability. As well as your base salary you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

About us

National Grid is pioneering ways to decarbonise the energy system; from building interconnectors to allow the UK to share clean energy with our neighbours in Europe, to investing in renewable energy generation in the United States.

This role closes on 6th April 2025 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.