The HR Projects Lead will drive strategic Employee Relations (ER) and Industrial Relations (IR) projects that support business objectives, strengthen workforce relations, and enhance employee experience.
Reporting to the Head of Employee Relations, the role will initially focus on delivering the ER and IR agenda, including trade union engagement, collective employment matters, policy modernisation, organisational change, consultation programmes, and workforce governance. As the role evolves, the postholder will lead wider people and organisational projects aligned to the People Strategy, providing expert project leadership, stakeholder management, and change delivery support.
Along with a competitive salary between £65,000 and £75,000 we also offer great benefits such;
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (increasing with tenure)
- 20% performance bonus
- Enrolment into our double matched pension scheme
Key Responsibilities
Employee & Industrial Relations
- Lead strategic ER and IR projects and programmes across the organisation.
- Support the delivery of the ER and IR strategy.
- Manage initiatives relating to trade union engagement, collective bargaining, workforce reform, and policy development.
- Lead people-related workstreams within organisational change and transformation programmes.
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation, collective agreements, and organisational commitments.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with Trade Union representatives and employee forums.
Project & Change Management
- Establish project governance, plans, milestones, and reporting frameworks.
- Deliver projects on time, within budget, and to agreed outcomes.
- Identify and manage risks, issues, and dependencies.
- Drive adoption of change through effective engagement and communication plans.
- Support leaders and managers through complex ER and IR change activities, including consultation processes.
Policy & Governance
- Lead the review and modernisation of people policies and frameworks.
- Maintain strong governance and compliance standards.
- Develop ER and IR insights, reporting, and performance measures.
- Experience leading Employee Relations, Industrial Relations, or HR projects in a complex organisation.
- Strong experience working in a unionised environment and engaging with recognised Trade Unions.
- Sound knowledge of collective employment relations, consultation processes, organisational change, and UK employment law.
- Proven ability to manage senior stakeholders, including Executive-level leaders.
- Successful track record of delivering cross-functional projects and programmes.
- CIPD Level 5 qualified or equivalent experience.
- Experience within utilities, infrastructure, engineering, or other highly unionised sectors.
- Knowledge of collective bargaining and industrial relations frameworks.
- CIPD Level 7 qualified or equivalent experience.
HR Projects Lead in Sunderland employer: Northern Powergrid
Northern Powergrid is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Castleford or Shiremoor, where employees can thrive while contributing to the electricity network that powers millions of homes and businesses. With a competitive salary, annual bonuses, and a strong focus on employee development, we foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, empowering our analysts to turn complex data into actionable insights that drive performance improvements. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your professional growth in a meaningful industry.
