Vacancy details

In this role you will work alongside Thames Water senior management and TU representatives, providing the link between the business and its People Strategies and effective collaboration with our Trade Union Partnership.

Working flexibly and collaboratively you will lead specific TU-related projects and topics, working closely with HR 'centres of expertise' and the HR partnering team.

You will provide support and challenge to shape and implement effective People interventions, appreciating people demographics, the organisational culture, and developing solutions.

What you'll be doing as the HR Consultant - Projects & Trade Union Specialist

+ Take the lead on assigned HR projects, collaborating with others within the People team and across the business.
+ Take the lead on behalf of the HR Partnering team on using management reporting and analysis to drive performance.
+ Oversee that a consistent, fair, and thorough approach is adopted to dealing with Trade Union negotiations, consultations, requests, and queries.
+ Administrative activities, specialist advice guidance and support to People managers to ensure the relationship between Thames Water and its TU partners is managed through transparent practices and relevant law.
+ Designing and delivering Trade Union-related IR training, interventions and strategies.
+ Led on IR areas, providing a bespoke consultancy service to managers and other HR departments.
+ Handling escalated in-depth and complex queries and problems.
+ Analysing and interpreting research data to inform IR strategy and approach.
+ Proactively engage and build trusted relationships and alliances with stakeholders.
+ Ensure business leaders understand and are engaged with IR activities.
+ Leads timely and efficient delivery of planned IR programmes into the organisation.

Base Location: This is a hybrid role with a base location of Clearwater Court, Reading, RG1 8DB.

Working hours are Monday to Friday, 9 am-5 pm, 36 Hours per week.

+ You will have the personality, communication skills and self-assurance to build strong positive relationships between our trade union partners to create an industrial relations strategy which positively impacts the business, the way people work, and necessary changes.
+ Membership in the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) or equivalent is essential.
+ Solid technical knowledge of HR and industrial relations procedures and legislation relevant to working with Trade union partners.
+ Expertise in IR policy and procedures including detailed and up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation.
+ Ability to effectively manage multi-strand business projects.
+ Able to manage the employment legal system and prepare for and manage cases using analysis and problem-solving techniques to resolve issues.
+ Ability to apply and risk-based approach to HR policy, procedures and IR solutions to meet business needs.
+ Experience using feedback insights to balance individual and business expectations regarding employee/worker relationships.
+ Driver's licence and access to a vehicle for work for occasional travel.

At Thames Water, our purpose is crystal clear - to deliver life's essential service so our customers, communities and planet can thrive.

Water is life's great leveller. Every living thing needs it, every single day. From people to plants, birds to bees, farms to factories, we all need it to thrive, and we're committed to taking care of it for us all.

But keeping water flowing is becoming harder. From scorching summers to wetter winters, extreme weather affects everything from our pipes to our local rivers. We need to keep millions more kettles boiling, public services operating, washing machines spinning, showers running and more, so every drop is more precious than ever. Are you ready to play your part?

Working at Thames Water

At Thames Water, we recognise that people are at the heart of our business. To help us succeed in providing life's essential service, we need a range of skills and capabilities, representative of society throughout our business.

We seek to attract and retain a cultural mix of people who can offer different but complementary attitudes, values, talents, and knowledge. We understand the importance of appreciating and harnessing the unique skills, experiences, backgrounds, and differences that each individual brings.

Our over-arching diversity and inclusion aim is to ensure Thames Water is a diverse and inclusive great place to work. We encourage applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process.

Find out more about working at Thames Water.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you'll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It's also a great opportunity to learn more about our business, meet colleagues and earn some extra money along the way.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

+ Competitive salary between £50,000 to £60,000 per annum.
+ Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service. (Plus bank holidays)
+ Contributory pension - Defined Contribution - Maximum of 12% -2x employee contribution.
+ Personal Medical Assessments - Open to all once a year.
+ Wider benefits scheme including our benefits hub, which is packed full of offers and information to save you money and support your wellbeing.