Head of HR Shared Services

Hitachi; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global technology firm in London seeks a Head of HR Shared Services to lead and develop a high-performing team. You will oversee HR administrative processes, manage resource planning and ensure compliance with employment legislation. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership skills and in-depth knowledge of UK employment law. A competitive salary, annual performance bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package including a pension scheme are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual performance bonus

25 days holiday

Pension scheme with contributions up to 9%

Private medical insurance

Personal accident insurance

Group income protection

Group life insurance

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of UK employment law.
• Proven ability to manage complex employee relations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing HR team.
• Manage HRIS platform and oversee compliance.
• Deliver HR analytics to support decision-making.

Skills

Leadership and team management

Knowledge of UK employment law

Complex employee relations management

Communication and negotiation

Stakeholder relationship building

Analytical skills

Change management

HR systems proficiency

Education

CIPD Level 5 or equivalent HR qualification

Job description

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job ID: R0114622

Date Posted: Company Name: HITACHI RAIL LIMITED

Profession (Job Category): Human Resources

Job Schedule: Full time

Remote: No

About Us

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multicultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together there’s something for everyone to get stuck into. And that’s where you come in.

Role Overview

Head of HR Shared Services – London (or regional site) – Full‑time – 1 vacancy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing HR Shared Services team.
• Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and support career development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and service excellence.
• Manage resource planning, workload distribution, and succession planning.
• Oversee the HRIS platform ensuring data accuracy, system optimisation, and user support.
• Lead system upgrades, integrations, and reporting enhancements.
• Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (e.g. GDPR).
• Manage core HR administrative processes including onboarding, off‑boarding, contract management, and personnel records.
• Ensure timely and accurate resolution of employee queries and requests.
• Oversee administration of travel and expense policies and systems.
• Monitor compliance and identify opportunities for cost control and process improvement.
• Collaborate with Finance and Procurement to align policies and systems.
• Deliver HR dashboards, scorecards, and analytics to support strategic decision‑making.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of HR metrics and KPIs.
• Provide insights and recommendations based on data trends.
• Oversee ER case management ensuring fair and consistent handling of employee issues.
• Partner with the wider HR function and Legal on complex ER matters.
• Maintain documentation and ensure compliance with employment legislation.
• Drive continuous improvement across HR operations.
• Implement automation and self‑service tools to enhance efficiency.
• Ensure service delivery meets agreed SLAs and KPIs.

Key Skills & Experience

• Strong leadership and team management skills with experience developing HR professionals.
• In‑depth knowledge of UK employment law and HR policies particularly in unionised and industrial environments.
• Proven ability to manage complex employee relations cases with professionalism and discretion.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels including trade unions and operational leaders.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify trends.
• Experience in managing change processes such as restructures, TUPE and organisational development.
• Proficient in HR systems and case management tools.
• Commercially aware with a pragmatic approach to problem solving and decision making.

Qualifications

CIPD Level 5 or above an equivalent HR qualification or equivalent experience.

Evidence of continuous professional development in employee relations or employment law.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Annual performance bonus paid on discretionary basis
• 25 days holiday
• Pension scheme with contributions up to 9%
• Private medical insurance
• Personal accident insurance
• Group income protection
• Group life insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

We also offer additional perks for you to choose from within a flexible plan that will meet your specific needs and lifestyle.

Thank you for your interest in Hitachi Rail. If your application is of interest we will be in contact. Please do not hesitate to discover more about us and our latest jobs at Hitachi Rail. There is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, ethnicity, religion and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment – we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.