Human Resources Business Partner - Employee Relations

Network Rail; Camden Town; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A major railway operator seeks an HR Advisor to provide critical support to managers in handling complex employee relations cases. This role requires strong HR advisory skills, excellent communication, and the ability to manage training and development initiatives. The position offers a competitive salary of £43,588 to £51,719, plus benefits like discounted rail travel and a robust pension scheme.

Benefits

75% off rail travel for you and your partner

Public sector boosted pension

Private healthcare

Annual performance based bonus

Qualifications

• Proven track record in HR Advisory, particularly with complex Employee Relations cases.
• Strong understanding of business needs and commercial awareness.
• Experience in development and delivery of manager training.
• Up-to-date knowledge of Employment Law and its practical application.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert HR advice and coaching to line managers.
• Manage relationships and communication regarding complex ER cases.
• Deliver targeted training for line managers in HR policies.

Skills

HR Advisory experience

Commercial approach

Manager up-skilling

Employment Law knowledge

Customer service

Coaching and influencing

Time management

Analytical skills

Unionised environment experience

CIPD qualification

Job description

Overview

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Brief Description

To provide geographical, face to face support to line managers in relation to highly risk employee relations cases, in line with formal Human Resources policies and procedures in addition to targeted line manager development. Working closely with HR Direct and the HR Business Partners to deliver effective, consistent and collaborative HR service.

About the role (External)

1. Provide professional, expert, face to face Human Resources advice, coaching and support to cross functional line managers when dealing with escalated complex Employee Relations cases across a defined geographical area and in line with Network Rail policies and procedures.
2. Provide clear guidance to managers regarding their responsibilities within a process or procedure and the elements the HR function will undertake.
3. Proactively manage and develop relationships and communication channels with Business Partner teams and HR Direct regarding complex ER cases and development requirements.
4. Development and delivery of targeted line manager up-skilling working closely with the HR Business Partner and broader HR Direct team on company wide initiatives.
5. Maintain and track case records and documentation through HR Direct and Network Rail systems in a timely manner.
6. Provide coaching, guidance and support to enable line managers to formulate pragmatic and business focussed solutions which are balanced with policy application and broader employment legislation.
7. Responsible for the provision of consistent advice to line managers and therefore required to liaise across the broader HR function and share knowledge proactively.
8. Proactively maintain own knowledge on Employment Legislation and Organisational awareness.
9. Provide support to the Senior HRBP (Employee Relations) or HR Business Partner team/s as required/requested.

Job Skills, Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• A proven track record in a previous HR Advisory role, in particular experience of dealing with numerous and highly complex/high risk Employee Relations cases, up to and including Tribunal stage across a number of organisation functions within a large complex organisation.
• Demonstrates strong commercial approach and understanding of business needs.
• Experience of development and delivery of manager up-skilling both individually and through training/ workshops/formal development interventions.
• Up to date Employment Law knowledge and practical application of legislation.
• Passionate about customer service and delivering professional HR support to the business.
• Capability to establish professional credibility quickly.
• Experience of coaching and influencing line managers and senior business leaders.
• Strong time management, organisation and prioritisation skills and the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
• Ability to travel and work across a geographical area covering numerous locations.
• Strong analytical and diagnostic skills.
• Experience of working within a Unionised environment.
• Resilient, Adaptable and Flexible.
• CIPD qualified or relevant experience to demonstrate level of competence.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively across a broad spectrum of managers with varying levels of capability.

Desirable

• Experience of advising managers and others on a variety of Network Rail policies, terms and conditions of employment.
• Experience of providing advisory support across a number of Network Rail functions.
• Experience of working in a remote capacity, independently and on own initiative.

How to apply (External)

Salary: £43,588 to £51,719 plus £3,270 London Office Location Allowance. The salary package also includes:

• 75% off rail travel for you and your partner
• Public sector boosted pension
• Private healthcare
• Annual performance based bonus