Human Resources Business Partner - 2315853

Network Rail Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization that plays a vital role in connecting people and goods across the UK. As an HR Business Partner in the North West, you'll have the opportunity to influence and implement strategic HR initiatives that foster a high-performance culture. This role requires strong business acumen and a passion for customer service, as you will work closely with senior leadership to address complex employee relations issues and drive organizational change. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this innovative firm values the contributions of every team member and aims to create a welcoming workplace for all. If you're ready to make an impact in a dynamic environment, this role is for you.

Benefits

Pro-rata annual leave (28 days)

Discounted online shopping

Childcare vouchers

Healthcare benefits

Cycle to work scheme

Subsidies on rail and underground season tickets

Contributory pension schemes

Two weeks paid reserve leave for Armed Forces community

Qualifications

• Proven experience in building partnerships with senior managers.
• Knowledge of HR best practices to promote high performance.

Responsibilities

• Implementing and delivering the HR Strategy focusing on talent and change management.
• Providing operational HR support on employee relations and organizational change.

Skills

Business Acumen

Employee Relations

Coaching and Influencing

Communication Skills

Negotiation Skills

Talent Development

Education

CIPD Qualification

Equivalent Experience

Job description

OU HR Business Partner - North West (109016) G3

Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure 24/7, 365 days a year. Our purpose is to connect people and goods with where they need to be, and our vision is for a simpler, better, greener railway.

The North West route is part of the North West and Central region, running from Cheshire in the south to Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Cumbria in the North, including the cities of Liverpool and Manchester, as well as tourist destinations like Blackpool and the Lake District.

Major stations include Crewe, Liverpool Lime Street, Preston, Manchester Victoria, and Manchester Piccadilly.

We serve a busy region with 1.3 million passengers daily and 700,000 tonnes of freight weekly, comprising a quarter of Britain's railway system with 571 stations.

‘Diversity’ means recognizing differences between people while valuing their contributions. ‘Inclusion’ involves creating safe, welcoming workplaces with fair cultures that encourage innovative thinking.

The HR Business Partner provides holistic, influential, and proactive HR support. Working alongside the business leadership team under the guidance of the Head of HR and Senior HR Business Partner, they will deliver the People Plan/HR strategy and offer frontline support, coaching, and advice to management teams.

This role manages client groups within the North West route, providing face-to-face support to line managers on complex employee relations cases, in accordance with HR policies and procedures. Travel within the North West region is expected.

About the role (External)

Daily activities include:

1. Implementing and delivering the HR Strategy/People Plan, focusing on talent, succession planning, and change management to support business objectives and foster a high-performance culture.
2. Building strong relationships with senior leadership and stakeholders, coaching and advising on HR issues.
3. Providing operational HR support on employee relations, sickness, absence, organizational change, senior appointments, and reward programs.
4. Delivering cost-effective, responsive people solutions aligned with business goals.
5. Collaborating with HR functions, including Centres of Expertise, HR Direct, and shared services.
6. Engaging with Union representatives to support business solutions.
7. Working with other HR Business Partners on cross-regional issues.

Candidate requirements:

• Strong business acumen and understanding of business needs.
• Proven experience in building partnerships with senior managers to improve people management.
• Passion for customer service and achievement-driven approach.
• Experience in employee relations, supporting disciplinary, grievance, and sickness cases.
• Knowledge of HR best practices to promote high performance.
• Experience coaching and influencing senior managers.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Ability to identify, develop, and retain talent.
• CIPD qualification or equivalent experience.
• Experience operating in complex environments and managing projects to success.
• Experience working within a unionized setting.

How to apply (External)

We are a Disability Confident Leader and value the skills disabled people bring. Click here for more information.

Salary and benefits:

• Band 4C, starting at £43,588, up to £50,018
• Pro-rata annual leave (28 days)
• Discounted online shopping (My Benefits)
• Various discounts including childcare vouchers, healthcare, cycle to work, and more
• Subsidies of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets
• Contributory pension schemes
• Two weeks paid reserve leave for Armed Forces community

For more benefits information, click here.

Network Rail adheres to a structured pay framework; salary offers will be within the advertised range.

Closing date: 4th May 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.

Click ‘apply now’ to submit your application.

Safety is a priority. Applicants should demonstrate awareness of our safety vision.

We aim to have a diverse interview panel wherever possible.