People Strategy Lead – Employee Relations, Leadership and Reward
Join to apply for the People Strategy Lead – Employee Relations, Leadership and Reward role at Nuclear Transport Solutions
Pay range: Nuclear Transport Solutions provides a pay range that will be based on your skills and experience. Talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Location: UK-wide (hybrid). West Coast Mainline access preferred — our key sites are Crewe, Warrington and Carlisle.
Contract: Fixed term (1–2 years)
Reports to: HR Director
Make your mark on a nationally critical mission
NTS is seeking a senior HR leader to build and deliver our People Strategy across Industrial/Employee Relations (ER/IR), Leadership Development, and Reward. This role shapes how we engage, perform and grow — and directly supports the business outcomes that matter.
The impact you’ll deliver
* Embed a single People Strategy aligned to NTS outcomes, with clear OKRs and quarterly delivery reviews.
* Stabilise ER/IR climate and improve engagement scores by leading proactive partnership working with trade unions and line leaders.
* Modernise Reward frameworks (base, variable and recognition) in conjunction with NDA specialists, ensuring affordability, fairness and performance alignment.
* Lift leadership capability through targeted development pathways, manager fundamentals, and succession planning for critical roles.
* Support business change (mobilisation and bids) with senior HR input that de‑risks delivery and accelerates benefits realisation.
What you’ll lead — and how you’ll lead it
Employee Relations & Engagement
* Own the ER/IR agenda, including collective bargaining, disputes, and complex case strategy.
* Design and implement a strategic ER/engagement plan that links behaviours and performance to business outcomes.
* Partner closely with the HR Director on pay talks and terms & conditions development; act as delegated deputy in ER/IR/Reward/Leadership forums.
* Build productive relationships with trade union reps (local & regional) and full‑time officers; ensure issues are anticipated, not just escalated.
Leadership Development & Talent
* Architect leadership development programmes that raise performance and accountability at all levels.
* Lead talent management and succession planning, with clear pipelines for critical roles and diversity of leadership bench.
* Mentor and develop the broader HR team, raising capability in ER, Reward and change delivery.
Reward
* Lead all NTS Reward activities — design principles, pay/grade architecture, incentives and recognition — in conjunction with NDA specialists.
* Ensure frameworks are compliant, market‑informed and outcomes‑driven, with governance that’s clear and efficient.
Change & Business Development
* Provide senior HR input to mobilisation and bid management, translating business requirements into people, capability and costed plans.
* Partner with HR SLT peers on cross‑company programmes and change; measure impact and adjust quickly.
Representation & Culture
* Represent HR credibly in internal and external forums, including regulators and public bodies.
* Model and embed our guiding principles:
* Freedom — create an environment where our people have the freedom to perform
* Helpfulness — work together to help each other and our customers
* Drive — be confident, curious and innovative
What you’ll bring
* A track record as a Senior HR Leader in fast‑paced, complex environments (public or private sector).
* Depth in ER/IR — managing complex industrial relations, collective agreements and dispute resolution.
* Leadership development expertise (design through to measurable capability uplift).
* Organisational transformation & change delivery — from blueprint to benefits.
* Reward strategy experience — structures, frameworks and governance.
* Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 (preferred) or equivalent senior HR qualification.
* FTC: 12–24 months (aligned to programme needs)
* UK‑wide base with travel; West Coast Mainline access preferred to enable regular engagement at Crewe, Warrington, Carlisle.
* Hybrid working; flexibility aligned to stakeholder and site requirements.
Ready to lead the agenda?
Bring your experience, curiosity and drive — and help us build a high‑performing, engaged organisation that delivers for the UK.
Apply now via the NTS careers site
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