Human Resources Business Partner

DfT Operator; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public sector rail Owning Group is seeking an HR Business Partner to drive HR initiatives and support organizational growth. The role involves workforce planning, talent management, and ensuring compliance with UK employment law. Join a dynamic team focused on delivering exceptional service and navigating change effectively.

Benefits

Annual leave starting at 25 days

DC Pension Scheme: 10% employer contributions

£300 annual personal learning account

Employee Assistance Scheme

Voluntary Benefits scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Business Partner in a complex environment.
• Expertise in employee relations, performance management, and talent development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement HR processes aligned with business goals.
• Manage employee relations issues, including conflict resolution.
• Champion DEI initiatives and monitor their effectiveness.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Strategic HR Alignment

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in HR

Master’s Degree (preferred)

Tools

HRIS

Job description

HR Business Partner

• Location - Waterloo based (3-4 days in the office and 1-2 days home working)
• Salary – up to 62K depending on experience
• Reports to - Group Head of HR
• Advert End date - 27/05/2025

About DFT Operator

Join Our Team at DFTO

DfT Operator (DFTO) is the public sector rail Owning Group responsible for all train operators transferring into public ownership. Established by the Department for Transport in 2018, it aims to deliver safe, secure, and sustainable transport for everyone, everywhere. Our focus is on improving journeys, providing excellent customer service, and supporting a passenger-focused railway industry.

Currently, we operate four train companies: London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Northern, Southeastern, and TransPennine Express (TPE), delivering over 4,500 services daily and serving 300 million customer journeys annually. Over the next three years, we plan to transfer all passenger services operated under DfT contracts into DFTO.

Our vision is to unify and strengthen train operators under the DFTO banner. By working collaboratively, we aim to lead in safety, customer service, and operational performance.

As we expand, our central support team must grow rapidly to add value to our subsidiaries and the wider industry. The HR Directorate plays a crucial role in this growth, with the HR Business Partner key to driving success and supporting transformation.

About the Position:

As an HR Business Partner, you will lead HR initiatives across the organisation. You will collaborate with leaders to align business objectives with people strategies, supporting the organisation through growth and change. Your responsibilities include workforce planning, talent management, employee relations, and organisational development, ensuring teams are prepared to deliver exceptional service and navigate growth challenges.

You will be supported by an HR Coordinator and work within an HR Operations and Culture team, alongside HR Centres of Expertise, to achieve DFTO’s goals.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop and implement HR processes and initiatives aligned with business goals.
2. Participate in business planning meetings to provide HR insights.
3. Collaborate with Centres of Expertise to support resourcing, workforce planning, development, and culture initiatives.

HR Advisory, Employee Relations & Performance Management:

• Provide HR advisory support at all levels.
• Manage employee relations issues, including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and investigations.
• Coach managers on performance management, including goal setting, feedback, and reviews.
• Ensure compliance with UK employment law and company policies.

Talent Management & Development:

• Partner with leaders to identify talent needs and develop talent plans.
• Facilitate talent reviews and succession planning.
• Support learning and development programs.

Change Management:

• Participate in change initiatives and develop communication plans to support them.

HR Data, Metrics & Reporting:

• Ensure accurate data for payroll and salary reviews.
• Monitor HR metrics (e.g., turnover, satisfaction, EDI, engagement).
• Provide reports and insights to leadership for decision-making.
• Develop action plans based on HR data to improve performance.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI):

• Champion DEI initiatives and monitor their effectiveness.

Policy Development & Compliance:

• Develop and communicate HR policies.
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate training on HR policies and compliance topics.

People Management:

• Line manage the HR Administrator, overseeing onboarding and induction processes.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in HR or related field, or Level 6/7 qualification (Master’s preferred).
• Proven experience as a Business Partner in a complex environment.
• Expertise in employee relations, performance management, and talent development.
• Knowledge of HR policies and change management is desirable.

Skills:

• Strong business acumen and strategic HR alignment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships with employees and leaders.
• Proficiency with HRIS and data analysis tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Benefits:

• Annual leave starting at 25 days, increasing to 30 days with service.
• DC Pension Scheme: 10% employer, 5% employee contributions.
• £300 annual personal learning account.
• Employee Assistance Scheme.
• Voluntary Benefits scheme.

Note: This is a fixed-term contract for two years. We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Flexible working options are supported upon request to promote work-life balance.