HRBP - Midlands

arriva; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transportation company is seeking an HR Business Partner to provide strategic HR support across multiple locations. The role includes driving employee engagement, managing employee relations, and leading various HR projects during a transformational phase. The successful candidate will have a strong background in HR processes and employee relations, demonstrating an ability to foster a positive workplace culture while ensuring compliance with company policies.

Qualifications

• Experience in Employee Relations and HR processes.
• Excellent communication skills and conflict resolution capabilities.
• Proven ability to manage attendance and grievance processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance on ER/IR cases and manage a large caseload.
• Ensure efficient execution of core HR processes like attendance management.
• Lead engagement initiatives and improve employee retention.

Skills

Employee Relations

HR Processes

Communication

Conflict Resolution

Team Building

Education

CIPD qualification or equivalent

Job description

Main purpose of the position

The role will provide leadership and support for the people agenda across multiple sites. This involves working with depot leadership teams to develop overall people plans, deliver core HR processes, and focus on proactive ER/IR support to line managers. The role also includes leading the people agenda, building operational capability, shaping culture, and supporting the Employee Relations strategy. Additionally, the role is responsible for developing, implementing, and delivering HR projects and initiatives to support an exciting transformation phase, coordinating effectively across UK Bus.

Driving improved organizational performance at both site and Opco levels.

Direct responsibilities

• Provide consistent guidance on ER/IR cases and situations promptly, managing a large caseload professionally to minimize ET claim risks.
• Ensure discipline and grievance processes are carried out efficiently and fairly according to company procedures.
• Participate in pay and policy negotiations and central negotiation committee meetings as appropriate.
• Build and foster good union relations within your area.
• Lead the engagement agenda across sites, driving key people metrics and delivering opportunities to develop employee engagement and performance.
• Contribute to strategic plans to reduce attrition and improve employee retention.
• Ensure flawless execution of all core HR processes such as attendance management, discipline, grievances, pay reviews, objective setting, performance cycles, talent reviews, and succession planning, aligned with business requirements.
• Partner with depot management and regional leadership on organizational change projects and programs.
• Manage recruitment to UK Bus standards, collaborating with the Centre of Excellence where necessary.
• Work with depot management to reduce absenteeism, ensuring policies are followed.
• Champion Diversity & Inclusion, Health & Wellness, and ER agendas.
• Drive HR projects reflecting the HR strategic plan, tailored to site needs.
• Collaborate with HRBP colleagues to challenge and evolve policies and best practices.
• Maintain proactive communication with management forums and trade union representatives.
• Lead or contribute to UK-wide HR activities and projects.
• Share best practices and intelligence across functions.

Essential duties and responsibilities

Attendance Management

• Advise line managers on attendance issues in line with policies.
• Monitor attendance, identify issues early, and encourage management intervention.
• Seek ways to reduce absenteeism.
• Utilize occupational health within the LTS framework to inform decisions.
• Consult with managers post-occupational health reports.
• Review attendance data regularly and develop action plans.
• Ensure managers understand and follow absence triggers.
• Work with Senior HRBP on long-term wellbeing strategies.

Discipline / Grievance

• Provide guidance on discipline and grievance issues to minimize claims.
• Ensure processes are efficient and fair.
• Assist with investigations and meetings.
• Review related correspondence.

Communication

• Inform managers of legislative changes affecting employment.
• Assist with implementing legislative updates.
• Build positive relationships with managers for early issue resolution.
• Hold regular meetings to review attendance, discipline, grievances, and turnover.
• Encourage effective two-way communication across the business.

Trade Union liaison: Build positive relationships and work through grievances with union reps.

Management Information: Provide analytics on ER and absence, analyze root causes, and suggest improvements.

Project Work: Undertake projects to review and develop systems, policies, and procedures; audit for GDPR compliance.

Health & Safety awareness: Co-operate with managers to ensure workplace safety, following published responsibilities and guidelines.