At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead industrial relations strategy and support day-to-day activities on a major infrastructure project.
- Company: Join Sizewell C, a key player in the UK's largest infrastructure programme.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, 28 days annual leave, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping industrial relations in a dynamic construction environment.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in industrial relations and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
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 and 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. Working closely with the Industrial Relations Manager, you will act as a senior specialist and trusted deputy, providing expert guidance on industrial relations across a large, unionised workforce. This is a senior, operationally focused role. While you will contribute at a strategic level, you will also play an active part in delivery, supporting day‑to‑day industrial relations activity. This includes developing and reviewing policies, building strong working relationships across the construction site, and helping to manage and resolve issues as they arise. This is a high‑impact role where you will influence project delivery, build strong partnerships with trade unions and contractors, and help maintain a stable and productive industrial relations environment.
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
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- 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
Desirable:
- Experience within construction or engineering environments
- CIPD qualification or equivalent experience
Additional Information
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. 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.
Industrial relations Lead in Haverhill employer: Sizewell C
At Sizewell C, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can significantly impact one of the UK's largest infrastructure projects. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including generous annual leave and pension contributions, and a culture that values diversity and collaboration, we provide our Industrial Relations Lead with the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and engaging workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Industrial relations Lead in Haverhill
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
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Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Sizewell C!
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We think you need these skills to ace Industrial relations Lead in Haverhill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Sizewell C. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Sizewell C and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Sizewell C. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Sizewell C's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sizewell C
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Sizewell C.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Sizewell C will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Sizewell C and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
