Human Resources Business Partner [High Speed]

Network Rail; Gravesend; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave buy/sell

Pension scheme

Travel discounts

Travel loan

Station discounts

Hybrid working

Volunteer leave

Healthcare

GymPass

Cycle to work

Parental leave

Job summary

Network Rail High Speed Ltd. is seeking an experienced Human Resources Business Partner to lead people strategy for the High Speed business. You will partner with senior leaders to shape talent, workforce planning and change initiatives in a complex, unionised environment.

The role requires CIPD-qualified HR expertise, strong stakeholder management, and a commitment to safety and inclusion. This permanent, full-time position is based at Gravesend (Singlewell) with hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• Graduate calibre
• Experience in partnering with senior leaders to deliver HR solutions.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the HR strategy and People Plan for the High Speed business.
• Coach and challenge senior leaders on HR issues; support organisation change.
• Deliver efficient, cost-effective people solutions in a unionised environment.

Skills

Graduate calibre

Stakeholder management

Coaching leaders

Education

CIPD qualified

Job description

Human Resources Business Partner [High Speed]

IRC2366529

Who We Are

Network Rail High Speed Ltd. (NRHS) is responsible for operating and maintaining the UK's only international high-speed railway (HS1) owned by London St. Pancras Highspeed.

The 109km London St. Pancras Highspeed infrastructure consists of a diverse range of railway assets such as the track, signalling, overhead line, lineside buildings, depots, viaducts and long tunnels. NRHS is also responsible for operating and maintaining three international stations; St Pancras, Stratford and Ebbsfleet International.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd, NRHS is privately financed under an agreement with our client London St. Pancras Highspeed, undertaking a diverse range of activities from railway infrastructure maintenance and operations - through to station facilities management and retail on behalf of our client.

Our Vision - to deliver the best High Speed rail customer experience.

Duration: Permanent

Salary range: £43,588 - £53,167 plus outer London allowance of £1,940 per annum

In addition to the above, we can offer you a rewarding career with excellent benefits, including:

• Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days) with the option to buy/sell days.
• Defined benefit pension scheme.75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.
• Up to 75% off leisure travel.
• Interest‑free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
• Discounts at some stations with your Network Rail pass
• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements
• Volunteer leave to make a positive impact
• Healthcare scheme, GymPass discounts, cycle to work scheme - plus more
• We offer generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here . 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.

Safe behaviouris a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision .

To work with the supported business leadership team, under the direction of the Head/Senior HR Business Partner to deliver the business aligned People Plan/HR strategy and provide coaching and support to members of the supported leadership team.

Key Accountabilities-

Working closely with the supported business, to implement and deliver the HR Strategy/People Plan to include talent, succession planning and change management, in order to support the delivery of business objectives and drive a high performance culture.

Work closely and building strong relationships with members of the supported business senior leadership team and other relevant stakeholders. Coach advise and challenge, where appropriate, business leaders on short and medium term HR issues as required.

Provide operational HR support on (for example) organisation change, senior appointments, salary and bonus, graduate or apprentice programmes.

Successfully deliver client responsive, cost effective and integrated people solutions that address key business objectives, gaining acceptance from key stakeholders.

Reinforce the ownership of people management by the business and line managers and support the HR delivery model.

Work with the broader HR function, including Centres of expertise, HR Direct and HR shared services teams to provide the best solutions for the business.

Work with appropriate Union representatives to support the business in delivering business solutions.

Liaise with HR Business Partners in other areas of the business in order to work collaboratively on cross business/geographical issues.

Our aim is to ensure your candidate experience is as positive as possible. If you require reasonable adjustments at any point, simply let us know and we'll do our best to assist you.

Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. We will share further details with you as part of your formal offer.

Demonstrates strong business/commercial approach and understanding of business needs.

Proven experience of working in partnership and building strong working relationships with senior managers in order to improve people management.

Passionate about customer service with ability to articulate previous achievements through business deliverables.

Knowledge and experience of implementing best practice HR solutions to drive a high performance culture.

Experience of coaching and influencing senior managers.

Excellent communication skills and ability to negotiate and influence effectively with all levels of an organisation.

Understands how to work with the business to identify, develop and retain talent.

Excellent technical HR Knowledge - CIPD qualified or relevant experience to demonstrate level of competence.

Proven track record of operating in a complex working environment.

• Graduate calibre

Understanding of project management principles and experience of managing complex projects to successful conclusion.

Experience of managing projects to successful conclusion.

Experience of working within a unionised environment.

Key Information

Number of Positions:

1

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full Time

Location:

Singlewell (High Speed), Gravesend

Closing Date:

29-SEP-2026

Job Category:

HR and Legal

Function:

Southern Region

Organisation:

CT HR NR (High Speed) Ltd - Human Resources (989015) G1