HR & Training Advisor

FirstGroup Internal; Croydon; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job description

HR & Training Advisor (on-site across two locations)

Are you a proactive, organized, and detail-oriented HR expert and Training Advisor with experience in delivering a positive employee experience across various people processes and projects? Would you thrive in a fast-moving, busy, challenging, and forward-thinking transport company? If so, read on…

The HR and Training Advisor plays a vital role in the daily operations of the HR department, providing advice on training development, colleague engagement & well-being, recruitment, talent & succession, employee relations, reporting, and KPIs.

Act as a trusted advisor to the management team, offering strategic and consultative insights on the people agenda, processes, and HR best practices. This includes assisting hiring managers with recruitment, interview techniques, and job descriptions, as well as reviewing and drafting company policies and procedures.

Tram Operations Limited (TOL) seeks a passionate, people-oriented HR and Training Advisor to make a meaningful impact through HR support and learning and development initiatives for staff and stakeholders. Reporting to the HR People and Organisational Manager, this role is key to ensuring smooth HR operations.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in HR and Training Advisor roles, demonstrating proactivity, organizational skills, and accuracy. You will play a crucial role in ensuring staff engagement and training to meet organizational goals.

You will support the HR People and Organisational Manager and the Management Team in managing approximately 300 staff across TOL and First London Cableway (FLC), overseeing various organizational priorities.

You will be the first point of contact for all recruitment stages, advising line managers and managing onboarding processes.

You may also handle employee relations and performance management, ensuring queries are addressed promptly and reliably.

Typical Responsibilities:

1. Providing professional HR advice and support, ensuring compliance with all HR policies and procedures.
2. Maintaining current employment lifecycle information, such as contracts and development reviews.
3. Advising managers on recruitment strategies to fill vacancies promptly.
4. Collaborating with the FirstGroup recruitment team on campaigns and coordinating the onboarding process.
5. Identifying, creating, and delivering training based on development needs.
6. Supporting ER issues, including absence management, investigations, disciplinary actions, and Tribunal cases.
7. Overseeing compliance with Trade Union regulations.
8. Using HR systems to access, update, and analyze data.
9. Ensuring HR processes support accurate data for KPIs and compliance reports.
10. Monitoring compliance training and follow-up actions.
11. Working with managers on talent management and succession planning.

Additionally, you will contribute to key projects such as:

• Employee surveys and action plans
• Implementing and managing the new HRIS – Workday
• Updating policies and procedures

Person Specification:

Essential qualities include strong interpersonal skills, knowledge of HR legislation, and proficiency with HR systems. Your soft skills—self-confidence, persuasiveness—are vital in this people-focused role. The following skills and qualifications are required:

• CIPD qualification
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills
• Proven experience as an HR & Training Advisor
• Robust knowledge of employment legislation
• Ability to advise and collaborate with senior staff
• Experience with IT programs and HR systems
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to draft clear and fair policies
• Driven, determined, with a proactive attitude
• Problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent time management skills
• Minimum 3 years HR experience
• Professional HR qualification (desirable)
• Experience in training, learning & development, and change management
• Strong knowledge of employment law
• Consultative and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Delivery and facilitation skills

About Our Organizations:

Tram Operations Limited

Tram Operations, a FirstGroup subsidiary, operates a contract for Transport for London, serving over 20 million passenger journeys annually across busy routes in Southwest London, providing reliable, accessible tram services connecting key locations and communities.

First London Cableway

First London Cableway, a recent subsidiary within FirstGroup, operates the London Cable Car, a popular attraction that transports over 1.5 million visitors annually, offering scenic rides across the Thames and hosting seasonal events and premium experiences.