The opportunity you've been waiting for
This is not a standard HR role. You will step into a business in the middle of real change. The Port of Tilbury is investing. Growing. Evolving how it operates. HR sits at the centre of that.
This role gives you direct exposure to a five-year growth plan across a complex, operational, unionised environment of around 700 colleagues. You will not sit on the sidelines. You will shape how change lands on the ground.
You get ownership. You get visibility. You get impact.
- You report into a newly appointed Head of HR and help turn strategy into delivery.
- You work at the heart of operations where decisions matter day to day.
- You play a key role in strengthening union relationships during a period of change.
- You influence leadership capability, workforce planning and organisational design.
This is hands-on HR in a business where people, operations and unions are tightly connected.
How you'll make your mark
You will operate as a true HR Business Partner, but with real operational depth.
- Lead on employee and industrial relations activity across the port.
- Build credible, trusted relationships with trade union representatives.
- Support restructuring, resourcing and change programmes on site.
- Embed the people plan into daily operational decision-making.
- Coach and support leaders through complex people challenges.
- Drive engagement and leadership capability across the workforce.
- Use data and insight to inform decisions and improve outcomes.
You will spend time on the ground. In conversations. In negotiations. In the detail. This is where strong HR professionals build their reputation. In this is a highly unionised, operational setting. You need to be comfortable with:
- Collective consultation.
- Negotiation with union representatives.
- Balancing business needs with employee relations risk.
- Supporting leaders who operate in fast-paced, safety-critical environments.
Managing industrial relations and building strong union relationships sits at the core of this role.
What's in it for you
- Salary up to £65,000.
- Car allowance.
- Benefits package.
- Fully onsite role at Port of Tilbury, Thurrock, Essex.
A bit more about the Port of Tilbury
The Port of Tilbury is part of Forth Ports and sits at the heart of UK infrastructure. With around 700 colleagues on site and a five-year growth plan underway, this is a business that is actively investing in its future and in the people who will help deliver it.
Denholm's take
What we are looking for is someone who already knows how to operate in this space. Experience in a unionised, operational or industrial environment, a strong background in employee and industrial relations, and the ability to influence, challenge and build trust with stakeholders at every level.
If you want a role where you can shape culture, influence unions, and deliver change in a business that matters to UK infrastructure, get in touch for a confidential conversation.
