Employee Relations Lead - 12-month FTC

At GHD we are committed to addressing the worlds biggest challenges in the areas of energy water and communities.

About us
We are a global network of multi-disciplinary professionals providing clients with integrated solutions through engineering environmental design and construction expertise.

Our future-focused innovative approaches connect and support communities around the world building resiliency and sustainability for generations to come.

Established in 1928 we remain wholly owned by our people. We are 10000 diverse and skilled individuals connected by over 200 offices across five continents.

The Opportunity

As we grow our presence and capability across the UK we are seeking a Senior Employee Relations Lead / People Business Partner to join our forward-thinking People team.

This is a high-impact role for a seasoned HR professional to shape our Employee Relations (ER) framework across the region and act as a trusted advisor and partner to senior business leaders.

Reporting to the UK People Leader you will lead our approach to Employee Relations in the UK owning the development of ER strategy policies and procedures in alignment with GHDs culture and upcoming legislative changes. Youll also act as a key Business Partner to selected teams within our UK operations.

This role offers the best of both worlds: deep involvement in shaping policy and resolving complex cases combined with the opportunity to influence business strategy through data-led people insights.

Key Responsibilities:

Employee Relations Leadership

• Lead and evolve the ER strategy for the UK region.
• Act as the go-to expert on complex ER matters including performance conduct grievances and disciplinaries.
• Oversee and resolve sensitive cases settlements and conciliation processes.
• Guide and mentor the business partnering team in best practice case management.
• Ensure GHD policies reflect legal cultural and DEI developments.
• Partner with legal and compliance teams to manage risk and ensure regulatory alignment.
• Lead ER-related training and capability-building across the business.

Strategic People Business Partnering

• Build strong internal client relationships and provide commercial HR support to leaders.
• Leverage people analytics to uncover trends and support informed decision-making.
• Provide expert guidance on HR frameworks across the employee lifecycle from recruitment and performance to succession and retention.
• Support and influence organisational change and transformation projects.
• Collaborate with the global People team and external networks to share insights and drive innovation.

What Youll Bring

• Deep expertise in UK employment law and managing complex ER issues including ACAS processes and Employment Tribunals.
• Demonstrated success in leading ER strategies and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Experience supporting business units as a strategic HR partner.
• A proactive data-driven mindset with a passion for problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• High emotional intelligence resilience and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced evolving environment.
• A collaborative and credible style that builds trust across all levels of the organisation.

Personal Attributes

• Adaptable comfortable navigating ambiguity and shifting priorities.
• Persistent unwavering focus on long-term goals even through obstacles.
• Curious committed to learning insight-seeking and improving practices.
• Composed calm and professional under pressure.
• Influential skilled in engaging and persuading others with integrity.
• Credible trusted to deliver with consistency and professionalism.

Why Join GHD

At GHD we support your growth well-being and ambition. We offer:

• Competitive salary and acomprehensive benefits package (pension medical income protection enhanced parental leave and more).
• Up to25 days annual leave option to buy up to 4 additional weeks.
• Clear career pathwayswhether your passion lies intechnical excellenceclient leadership orpeople management.
• A global employee-owned company where your contribution shapes the future.
• Access to ourEmployee Network Groups and tools to support yourmental health and wellbeing.
• The chance to be part of a company committed todiversity sustainability and ethical leadership.

Lets put your ideas into action.

If you see the world differently and are driven by a desire to make real change together well make it happen. Everybody at GHD has their own commitment and were here to support yours.

Your success is our success and together well make a lasting impact on our world for generations to come.

Our Pledge to You
At GHD we dont just believe in the power of commitment we live and breathe it every day.

Thats why we pledge to empower our people to make a positive impact. Combining our deep technical expertise with the capabilities of our clients and partners we respond to some of the most complex challenges facing our planet today.

See where your commitment could take you.

Thats the#PowerOfCommitment

The Power of Commitment is our brand promise. Its what makes us different. We are bound to our stated vision and determination to address humanitys most urgent needs: to make water energy and urbanisation sustainable for generations to come.

Make an impact where it matters. Join GHD in leading change and building a better future together.