Head of Industrial Relations - Bridgwater

Head of Industrial Relations - Bridgwater

The Head of Industrial Relations will lead the MEH Programme’s approach to workforce relations across the alliance, ensuring constructive engagement with trade unions, adherence to collective agreements, and proactive resolution of workplace issues, This role is strategic and programme critical, providing trusted leadership on complex IR matters, while also enabling site level consistency and alignment with partner organisations.

Key Deliverables

• Develop and implement a strategic industrial relations framework for the MEH Programme that reflects the unique alliance model and the scope of the construction and installation phases.
• Act as the primary liaison with recognised trade unions, maintaining constructive relationships and ensuring alignment with national and local agreements.
• Lead negotiations and consultations on key workforce matters including pay, terms, disputes and operational changes, in coordination with partner HR teams and sit management.
• Ensure compliance with the ECSA providing expert guidance on interpretation and application.
• Support site level and project wide dispute prevention and resolution, ensuring consistent handling and avoiding project disruption.
• Provide oversight and assurance for disciplinary, grievance and dispute processes, working closely with HR teams embedded within the MEH Alliance and its partners. No
• Collaborate with legal, HR and operational teams to ensure that any IR risks are identified early, and that the programme is well prepared for planned or emergent issues.
• Represent the MEH Programme in relevant alliance forums, national working groups or industry bodies as required.

Key Requirements / Qualifications

• Significant experience leading industrial relations in a unionised, major infrastructure or construction environment, ideally with alliance or JV complexity.
• Deep knowledge of the ECSA and /or other national agreements governing mechanical and electrical construction work.
• Confidence in handling high-stakes discussions and negotiations with trade unions and workforce representatives.
• A strategic mindset able to anticipate future risks and build frameworks that support long term industrial stability and workforce productivity.
• Strong influencing and relationship building skills particularly across multiple employers, trade union reps and client stakeholders.
• Political awareness, emotional intelligence, and calm under pressure.
• An understanding of cultural transformation programmes and the role of industrial relations in enabling high performance.

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