Industrial Relations Manager

CompanyVenesky Brown

LocationSuffolk, England, United Kingdom

Posted At2/25/2026

UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics

Occupation Type

Human resource managers and directors

Occupation Code Skill LevelHigher Skilled

Sponsorship Salary Threshold

£52,900 (£27.13 per hour)

Occupation rate applies

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Description

Venesky Brown Recruitment is currently looking for an Industrial Relations Professional to join the Employment Affairs Unit at Sizewell C. This is a permanent role based in Leiston, please see full details below.

Job Purpose / Overview:

This role plays an important part in maintaining a positive, collaborative industrial relations environment across the project. You’ll work closely with our Industrial Relations Manager and partner organisations to ensure our collective agreements are understood, implemented and applied consistently.
Lead ad hoc IR projects to prepare for agreement implementation and provide expert consultation on individual cases in partnership with trade unions and supply chain partners.

Location: Sizewell C Site, Leiston, Suffolk 4 days a week in the office

Salary: Circa £55,000, plus bonus plus, extensive 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 15% employer contribution.

Flexible Benefits: Additional allowance for a variety of benefits.

Contract Type: Full time, permanent

Principal Accountabilities:

Work in close partnership with the SZC Industrial Relations Manager to implement the industrial relations strategy, ensuring effective engagement between contractors, trade unions, the Employment Affairs Unit (EAU), supply chain providers, and other stakeholders. This includes leading development of and delivering components of the IR framework activities, facilitating resolution of issues, and driving a consistent, aligned approach to IR matters across the project.
Design, plan and deliver practical IR training, supporting logistics, materials and attendance tracking to build competence and consistent application of the SZC agreements. This will necessitate clarification of SZC and other stakeholder needs, developing and delivering a training regime to meet agreed standards and may involve negotiating with trade unions and contractors
Apply industrial relations expertise to capture operational requirements and develop content for the “Way We Work at SZC” guide (the Silver Book), ensuring it reflects practical application of the Agreements and facilitates consistent implementation across the project.

Applying the Transitional Arrangements and Minimum Standards (TAMS) prior to full implementation of the SZC collective agreements, using industrial relations knowledge, skills, and experience to resolve queries and issues, escalating only where necessary.

Coordinate with contractor IR managers to identify emerging issues early and support collaborative resolution strategies to mitigate potential industrial action.

Apply employment law knowledge, the SZC Agreements, best practice, and sound business acumen to provide practical consultancy to supply chain partners and trade unions, delivering effective solutions for individual and collective issues.

Develop communications related to the implementation of the SZC Agreements, ensuring clarity and alignment with project objectives. Drafts will be reviewed collaboratively with colleagues as part of best practice quality assurance and finalized following approval by the SZC Industrial Relations Manager.

Introduce and maintain routine reporting for IR activities (e.g., workforce numbers across SZC agreements, trades, and project phases), ensuring data accuracy and timely circulation.

Carry out audit and assurance activities that demonstrate contractor compliance with IR sector agreements by preparing evidence packs, tracking actions, and liaising with external auditors.

To manage day to day relationships with the local, regional and national trade unions signatory to the SZC agreements.

Work in partnership with the SZC Site Leadership to maintaining harmonious relationships with the SZC tier 1 contractors and signatory trade unions.

Dimensions:

Contributes to supporting the application of Agreements for SZC contractors across a large, multi‑employer workforce over the life of the project.
The post holder will not have individual budget responsibilities, but the potential impact that the decisions have on people costs and project performance is significant.
Works independently with limited oversight from SZC IR Manager planning, prioritising and organising own workload to support the achievement of objectives.
No direct line management responsibilities. Works through influence, coordination and collaborative problem solving.
Indirect management of EAU Supply Chain Service Providers E.g. external Auditors.

Knowledge & Skills Required:

Working knowledge of trade union structures, employment law fundamentals and general HR/IR practices and procedures.

Clear, confident communication skills with the ability to build relationships and collaborate across functions and organisations.

Skilled in driving to a solution with a goal-oriented project management mindset.

Sound judgement with the ability to prioritise, manage competing deadlines and maintain accuracy under pressure.

Problem‑solving mindset with the resilience to challenge constructively and adapt to changing situations.

Basic negotiation support capabilities and the ability to prepare briefings, notes and communications to aid decision making.

Qualifications & Experience:

Essential

Experience in industrial relations or generalist HR support roles.
Experience in dealing with people management situations, operating across functional boundaries.
Trade union recognition and experience of WRA’s (Working Rule Agreements).
Exposure to handling routine grievances and assisting with conflict resolution.
Previous experience of handling large scale change programmes.
Proficient in all Microsoft Applications.

Desirable:

CIPD qualified, or similarly by experience.
Experience supporting large‑scale change programmes and their IR implications.
Experience of working with a transient workforce and the challenges that arise from this.
Experience within construction or engineering environments supporting people management activity.

About Venesky-Brown Recruitment

Venesky-Brown Recruitment are a UK-based Recruitment Agency, specialising in Construction, Engineering, Infrastructure, IT & Digital, and Professional Services. Established in 2005, we've evolved into industry leaders, driven by our mission to inspire and empower through meaningful employment.

When you join us, you gain access to a stable, long-term career. We collaborate with Tier 1 clients on major infrastructure projects, offering growth opportunities and a clear career pathway. Our comprehensive Career Development Programs, from Level 2 Construction Operations to Level 6 Site Management, bridge skill gaps to benefit both you and our clients.