Industrial Relations Manager

We are currently searching for an Industrial Relations Manager for our client to work on the Sizewell C project.
This role is based in Leiston. 3 days per week on site and 2 days from home. The role will fall inside IR35. 

Job Purpose / Overview
To provide assistance, advice and support in all aspects of Industrial Relations (IR), engaging effectively to ensure productivity across all parties to anticipate and resolve relevant challenges. Deliver clear oversight of the application of all IR activities to ensure they are carried out in conjunction and in accordance with the Sizewell C (SZC) Agreements, protocols, strategy and processes as determined and agreed by the tripartite stakeholders of the Unions, Contractors and SZC.

Principal Accountabilities
– Foster effective working relationships between Contractors and Trade Unions, on behalf of the EAU, Supply Chain providers and other relevant stakeholders to deliver a consistent and co-ordinated approach.
– Ensure effective oversight of the application of the Transitional Arrangements and Minimum Standards (TAMS) prior to the full implementation of the SZC collective agreements.
– Manage and oversee the operationalisation and governance of the "Silver Book" which will provide those working on the SZC project an operating manual housing key documentation, policies and agreements.
– Ensuring effective collaboration between contractor IR Managers to mitigate potential industrial action including overall responsibility for the governance arrangements for contractors IR working arrangements.
– Facilitate contractor activities and provide expert and pragmatic advice to effectively implement IR issues contained within the agreements.
– Introduce a thorough reporting and communication structure to support the projects reporting obligations to include anticipated numbers across the three SZC agreements, trades showing clear distinction between phases of the project.
– Manage the development and maintenance of audit and assurance arrangements that demonstrates compliance of contractor's terms and conditions with the IR sector agreements. This will include contract management of the outsourced audit and assurance activity.
– Manage and oversee the mobilisation and maintenance of the SZC employment governance framework within the tripartite system e.g. Transitional Arrangements Committee, Site Joint Council, Local Joint Committees, to enable IR issues to be resolved in an effective and timely manner.
– To encourage, lead and help facilitate working IR relationships at operational levels between, managers, Supervisors and TU Reps, with a particular focus on early issue resolution.
– Work collaboratively with EAU colleagues to design and implement SZC IR training to ensure the competence and knowledge of the SZC agreements and their effective and collaborative application.
– To establish and manage day to day relationships with the local, regional and national trade unions signatory to the SZC agreements.
– To support the SZC Site Leadership in maintaining harmonious relationships with the SZC tier 1 contractors and signatory trade unions.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
– Up to date knowledge of trade union constitution arrangements, employment law and general HR/IR practice and procedures.
– The post holder will be required to have IR Construction experience and have the gravitas to influence senior stakeholders in the area of industrial relations.
– Excellent knowledge of the construction industry from a Civil or Engineering perspective.
– Experience in dealing with IR situations, operating across functional boundaries.
– Strong negotiation capabilities.
– Excellent networking and relationship building skills with the ability to influence key internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
– Capable of working at an operational level and supporting at a strategic level.
– Demonstrates a proactive, confident and resilient approach – particularly in regard to challenging the status quo.
– Ability to manage well under pressure, short timescales.
– Reacts positively to conflicting priorities and changing situations and, when necessary, can translate these changes in actions and outcomes.

Qualifications & Experience
Essential
– Extensive Industrial Relations experience.
– Trade union recognition and experience of WRA's (Working Rule Agreements).
– Will have demonstrable experience in generalist HR Activity and be able to demonstrate up to date knowledge of employment law.
– Considerable experience of negotiations on pay, working conditions and working arrangements.
– Proven track record with regard to negotiations/disputes and collective grievances at all levels.
– Experience of working with a transient workforce and the challenges that arise from this.
– Previous experience of handling large scale change programmes.
– Resolution of individual/collective disputes.
– Proficient in all Microsoft Applications.

Desirable
– Ideally CIPD qualified, or similarly by experience

Closing date 10th July