Altrad are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Industrial Relations to lead the MEH Programme’s approach to workforce relations across the Alliance.
This role will be based in Bridgwater and will provide trusted leadership on complex industrial relations matters across the construction and installation phases of the programme. Working across the Alliance and its partner organisations, you will lead constructive engagement with trade unions, ensure adherence to collective agreements and provide strategic oversight of workforce relations, while enabling consistency at site level and proactively managing issues that could impact workforce stability and programme delivery.
Key Deliverables / Accountabilities:
- Develop and implement a strategic industrial relations framework for the MEH Programme that reflects the Alliance model and the requirements 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 and conditions, disputes and operational changes, in coordination with partner HR teams and site management.
- Ensure compliance with the ECSA, providing expert guidance on its interpretation and application.
- Support site-level and programme-wide dispute prevention and resolution, ensuring issues are managed consistently and effectively to minimise the risk of programme disruption.
- Provide oversight and assurance for disciplinary, grievance and dispute processes, working closely with HR teams embedded within the MEH Alliance and its partner organisations.
- Collaborate with legal, HR and operational teams to identify industrial relations risks at an early stage and ensure the programme is prepared for both planned and emerging issues.
- Provide expert advice and guidance to senior leadership on complex industrial relations matters and workforce risks.
- Represent the MEH Programme at relevant Alliance forums, national working groups and industry bodies as required.
- Build effective working relationships across partner organisations to promote a consistent and collaborative approach to industrial relations.
- Support the development of a positive workforce culture that promotes constructive employee relations, productivity and high performance.
- Contribute to cultural transformation programmes and initiatives, ensuring industrial relations supports the wider objectives of the MEH Programme.
Key Requirements / Qualifications:
- Significant experience leading industrial relations within a unionised major infrastructure, construction or engineering environment, ideally involving Alliance or Joint Venture structures.
- Deep knowledge of the ECSA and/or other national agreements governing mechanical and electrical construction work.
- Proven experience handling complex and high-stakes negotiations with trade unions and workforce representatives.
- Strong understanding of industrial relations strategy, dispute resolution, collective bargaining and workforce engagement.
- Strategic mindset with the ability to anticipate future industrial relations risks and develop frameworks that support long-term workforce stability and productivity.
- Strong influencing and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple employers, trade union representatives, partner organisations and client stakeholders.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the confidence to operate at senior leadership level.
- Strong political awareness and emotional intelligence, with the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
- Understanding of cultural transformation programmes and the role of industrial relations in enabling high performance.
- Ability to provide trusted, commercially aware and pragmatic advice on complex workforce matters within a fast-paced programme environment.