Human Resources Business Partner Support (Fixed Term Contract/Secondment)

Network Rail; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Rail is seeking an enthusiastic HR Business Partner Support to join the Southern Region HR team, providing proactive HR support to the SER business area.

This fixed-term/secondment role offers hands-on experience across HR activities, including workforce planning, talent initiatives, and organisational change, with development opportunities.

The role requires you to be in the office three days a week, and you'll be supported by experienced HR professionals as you grow your career in HR.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering HR initiatives.
• Strong customer service and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Willingness to learn and develop in HR.

Responsibilities

• Support HR Business Partners with talent management, succession planning, workforce planning, and performance management activities.
• Assist with organisational change projects, helping shape and deliver change from planning through to implementation.
• Provide project support, tracking actions, monitoring progress, and communicating key updates to stakeholders.
• Conduct research, analysing information, and producing reports to support HR decision-making.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems, and ways of working.
• Support the delivery of people-focused initiatives that align with business objectives.
• Maintain accurate records and provide effective HR coordination and administrative support.
• Build positive relationships with managers, stakeholders, and colleagues across the organisation.

Skills

HR initiatives delivery

Customer service

Communication

Stakeholder management

Organisational skills

Multitasking

Education

CIPD qualification (desirable)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Who We Are

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. 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.

About The Role

At Network Rail, we're passionate about developing our people and creating opportunities for growth.

We're looking for an enthusiastic and motivated HR Business Partner Support to join our Southern Region HR team, providing proactive HR support to our southeastern Railway (SER) business area.

This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands‑on experience across a broad range of HR activities while working alongside experienced HR Business Partners. You'll learn how HR drives business success, from supporting workforce planning and talent initiatives to helping deliver organisational change and people‑focused projects that make a real difference.

Whether you're building on existing HR experience or looking to broaden your knowledge within a large and complex organisation, this role offers invaluable exposure, development, and career growth opportunities.

This opportunity is being offered as an initial Fixed Term Contract / Secondment until the end of March 2027, with the potential to be extended or become permanent.

Your Experience And Skills

What you'll be doing

No two days are the same in this varied and rewarding role. You'll play an important part in supporting the delivery of people initiatives across the business, including:

• Supporting HR Business Partners with talent management, succession planning, workforce planning, and performance management activities.
• Assisting with organisational change projects, helping shape and deliver change from planning through to implementation.
• Providing project support, tracking actions, monitoring progress, and communicating key updates to stakeholders.
• Conducting research, analysing information, and producing reports to support HR decision‑making.
• Identifying opportunities to improve processes, systems, and ways of working.
• Supporting the delivery of people‑focused initiatives that align with business objectives.
• Maintaining accurate records and providing effective HR coordination and administrative support.
• Building positive relationships with managers, stakeholders, and colleagues across the organisation.

Throughout your time in the role, you'll be supported by experienced HR professionals who are committed to helping you develop your skills and build your career within HR.

What We're Looking For

We're keen to hear from organised, proactive individuals who are passionate about developing their HR expertise and making a positive impact.

Essential Skills And Experience

• Experience supporting the delivery of HR initiatives.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to build effective working relationships.
• Excellent communication skills, with confidence engaging with a range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• A positive, flexible approach and a willingness to learn and develop.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Desirable

• Working towards, or already holding, a CIPD qualification.
• Previous experience within an HR environment.
• An interest in developing a long‑term career within Human Resources.

Why join us

This is more than just a support role. It's an opportunity to gain valuable experience within a professional HR team, broaden your knowledge across a range of HR disciplines, and build relationships that will support your future career development.

Next Steps

If you're looking for an opportunity to develop your HR career, gain hands‑on experience, and be part of a team that is passionate about people and development, we'd love to hear from you.

This roles requires you to be in the office three days a week.