Industrial Relations Manager

At EKFB (Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial and BAM) we’re shaping Infrastructure for a better tomorrow. All four of our partners bring specialist expertise in the design, construction, operation, financing, and maintenance of railway networks, including the construction of one of Europe’s latest high speed rail projects.

We’re looking for an Industrial Relations Manager to join our People team, based in Milton Keynes with regular travel to the other EKFB site offices between Wendover and Southam.

This position will be required to maintain relationships between management, employees and trade unions whilst ensuring compliance with current employment and labour laws. The key responsibilities of this role include:

• Facilitating transparent and constructive dialogue to address workplace issues.
• Managing employee welfare and promoting fair and consistent treatment for all employees.
• Managing complex disciplines, grievance and capability issues, providing advice and developing action plans.
• Resolving conflicts swiftly and effectively.
• Investigating employee misconduct and policy violations.
• Developing and implementing industrial relations strategies, policies and procedures to ensure alignment and compliance.
• Providing coaching and training to managers on employee relations best practices, conflict resolution and legal compliance.
• Conducting investigations into employee misconduct and analysing workforce feedback to identify trends and improvements.
• Ensuring the organisations practices comply with current employment laws, regulations and collective agreements.
• Advising on employment and labour law updates to minimise legal risks and avoid disruptions.
• Maintaining accurate and detailed records of all cases and initiatives.
• Supporting the organisation through restructurings and other people-related changes.
• Handling disputes and appeals, working closely with HR and legal teams.

• 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 demonstrable experience influencing senior stakeholders around industrial relations.
• Excellent knowledge of the construction industry.
• Experience in dealing with IR situations, operating across functional boundaries.
• Previous 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 regarding 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 programs.
• Resolution of individual/collective disputes.
• Trade union recognition and/or experience of WRA’s (Working Rule Agreements).
• CIPD qualification is advantageous.

EKFB is proud to have been appointed by HS2 to deliver civil engineering works across an 80km section of the new high-speed rail link between the Chiltern Tunnel and Long Itchington Wood. Our scope of the works includes 15 viaducts, 5km of green tunnels, 22km of road diversions, 67 overbridges and around 30 million cubic metres of excavation. EKFB is committed to improving lives, communities and the engineering and construction industry by providing sustained employment opportunities and being a good neighbour, protecting the environment and the places we work.

If you would like to be part of our collaborative, enthusiastic and forward-thinking culture, then please apply today! In return, we are offering a competitive salary and benefits.

EKFB brings together international, market leading technical expertise. We have an industry leading track record of delivering major infrastructure projects, including Crossrail, the Millau Viaduct, Mersey gateway and the Bretagne-Pays de la Loire High Speed Rail link.

We are committed to, and strongly believe in, inclusiveness and equality of opportunity. Everyone who works with EKFB has a contribution to make; this is why we welcome applications from different backgrounds, experiences and abilities. Our aim is to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels they are able to be themselves. Please contact us if there is any additional support you might require making an application.

Please note your CV may be shared with joint venture partners on this project.

Pre-employment checks:

It is worth remembering that EKFB will undertake the relevant / standard employment checks if you are successful in the selection process. This includes taking up your references, as well as checking your ID, driving licence (if appropriate) and your right to work in the UK. Some roles may also be subject to further pre-employment checks.

NB. BPSS security clearance will be required (to be undertaken as part of the onboarding process).