HR Business Partner – Industrial Relations

Great Western Railway (GWR); Swindon; On-site; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading railway company is seeking an HR professional to support the Industrial Relations strategy, ensuring effective collaboration with trade unions and management. The candidate should have strong industrial relations experience, be knowledgeable in employment law, and possess excellent relationship-building skills. This full-time role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including free rail travel and healthcare.

Benefits

Free rail travel

Pension scheme

Health care plan

Discounted shopping and gym membership

Ongoing development

Qualifications

• Strong relationship-building skills with trade unions and stakeholders.
• Proven experience in industrial relations within an HR capacity.
• Confident in advising senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and implementing Industrial Relations strategy.
• Provide information and guidance on Trade Union negotiations.
• Support on escalated people management issues.

Skills

Relationship-building skills

Experience in industrial relations

Knowledge of employment law

Problem-solving

Mediation abilities

Education

CIPD Level 5

Job description

Salary circa £50k, depending on skills and experience, plus excellent benefits package

Overview

Are you a confident HR professional with a strong background in industrial relations? This is your opportunity to make a real impact at Great Western Railway.

About the role

In this key role, you'll work closely with the Head of People Relations & Strategy to shape and deliver our Industrial Relations strategy. You'll be at the forefront of both proactive and responsive initiatives that foster strong, collaborative relationships with our People and Trade Union partners - helping to maintain a positive working environment and minimise disputes.

Your expertise will also be instrumental in supporting the design and implementation of people-focused initiatives across the business. You'll provide trusted industrial relations guidance that ensures our workforce strategies are not only effective, but also aligned with our values and long-term goals.

About GWR

At Great Western Railway, we're more than a train company - we're the proud custodians of Brunel's iconic railway, one of the most prestigious networks in the world. With over 100 million passenger journeys annually and more than 275 destinations across the South West, South Wales and London, we connect communities and support regional economies through reliable, accessible and scenic rail travel.

We're on a journey of transformation. With a modern fleet and ambitious plans for growth, we're transforming the way people think about rail travel. Our workforce of over 6,000 colleagues - from engineers to on-board hosts - is at the heart of this change.

Together, we're building a railway that works for everyone - our passengers, our communities and our people.

Your main responsibilities

• Assist the Head of People Relations & Strategy in developing and implementing an Industrial Relations strategy based on the needs of Great Western Railway, including correspondence with Trade Unions and attendance at specific Trades Union meetings (e.g., Company Council).
• Provide information, support and guidance on Trade Union negotiations and consultations including pay and Terms and Conditions, maintaining detailed knowledge of Agreements and Management Information.
• Gather correct information and assist line management in resolving complex business challenges and initiatives.
• Schedule pre-meetings with appropriate people to ensure time is used productively and meaningful consultations with correct information provided in a timely manner.
• Provide support and advice on escalated people management issues, including presenting briefings to line managers and HR Business Partners regarding Agreements and acting as a point of contact.
• Help ensure information is accessible and foster positive and collaborative Trade Union relationships.
• Facilitate early intervention to resolve issues and prevent escalation.
• Work with the HR team to update GWR policies and procedures to stay in line with UK employment legislation.
• Provide Industrial Relations support to assist in the design and implementation of people initiatives.
• Keep knowledge up to date on Industrial Relations and HR issues, maintaining links with ER & IR professionals in other Train Operating Companies and businesses.
• Adhere to safety responsibilities in this role at all times.

You will

• Preferably be CIPD Level 5 qualified.
• Have strong relationship-building skills with trade unions, senior leaders and key stakeholders, with the ability to nurture these on an ongoing basis.
• Have proven experience in industrial relations and trade union engagement within an HR capacity.
• Be up to date on employment law, IR trends and best practice.
• Be confident advising senior stakeholders at both strategic and operational levels.
• Be resilient, assertive and comfortable navigating complex challenges.
• Be skilled in interpreting data and using insights to shape and influence decisions.
• Have excellent mediation and fact-finding abilities.
• Turn feedback and challenges into clear outcomes and next steps.
• Enjoy problem-solving and thrive in a dynamic environment.

About the location

This role will be working across the GWR network, primarily supporting our Driver and Engineering functions, along with wider corporate activity. Our Head Quarters is based in Swindon and the role will require travel across the GWR network.

Working pattern

This role is a full-time role, Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week.

To Apply

Please apply online via our website https://careers.firstgroup.co.uk/brand-gwr

If you have any problems applying, please email [e-mail]

The Reward

As well as a great team environment and comprehensive training, all GWR colleagues enjoy a range of benefits including:

• on-going development,
• defined benefit pension scheme with the Railways Pension Scheme,
• free rail travel across the GWR network for you and your family,
• discounted travel with other Train Operating Companies,
• company-sponsored health care plan,
• discounted shopping and gym membership,
• employee assistance programme and much more.

We all belong at GWR. This is our vision for providing an inclusive environment for all our colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment. We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA, ethnicity, religion and disability. We maintain zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent. We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details. If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.

https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/

https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/