Senior Employee Relations Partner - Strategy & Impact

Arriva UK Bus Limited; Thurmaston; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Arriva UK Bus Limited is seeking a Senior Employee Relations Business Partner to shape and lead the ER strategy across UK depots, partnering with senior leaders to balance legal compliance, employee experience and business performance.

You will coach ER and HR colleagues, manage complex cases, collaborate with Trade Unions and employee forums, and support change programmes while ensuring governance and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior Employee Relations, HR Business Partner or specialist ER role.
• Experience working within a large, complex and unionised environment.
• A strong track record of managing complex and high-profile employee relations cases, including disciplinaries, grievances, absence management, organisational change and tribunal preparation.
• Excellent knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations best practice.
• Experience partnering with senior leadership teams and influencing strategic decision-making.
• Strong experience working collaboratively with Trade Unions and employee representatives.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, coaching and influencing skills.
• The ability to balance legal risk, operational priorities and employee experience.
• Experience developing ER frameworks, policies and governance processes.
• Strong analytical capability, with confidence using data and insights to support business decisions.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• CIPD Level 5 or Level 7 qualification, or equivalent experience, would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Leading on complex, high-risk and sensitive employee relations matters, ensuring fair, consistent and legally compliant outcomes.
• Acting as the senior escalation point for ER Business Partners, HR teams and operational leaders, providing expert advice and coaching.
• Partnering with senior stakeholders to develop proactive employee relations strategies that align with business objectives.
• Using ER data and trends to identify risks, drive improvements and influence strategic decision-making.
• Developing and enhancing employee relations policies, frameworks, governance and manager guidance.
• Driving early intervention and resolution strategies to reduce organisational risk and improve employee experience.
• Overseeing ER systems, reporting and case management processes to ensure robust governance and meaningful management information.
• Building strong working relationships with Trade Union representatives and employee forums to support positive industrial relations.
• Supporting organisational change programmes, restructures, consultations and other significant people initiatives.
• Coaching and mentoring ER and HR colleagues to build organisational capability and promote best practice.
• Ensuring the business remains up to date and compliant with changes in employment legislation and case law.
• Contributing to wider people projects that improve organisational culture, engagement and business performance.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical capability

Communication skills

Influencing skills

Data-driven decisions

Coaching and mentoring

Trade union liaison

Education

CIPD Level 5/7

Job description

Arriva UK Bus Limited is seeking a Senior Employee Relations Business Partner to shape and lead the ER strategy across UK depots, partnering with senior leaders to balance legal compliance, employee experience and business performance.

You will coach ER and HR colleagues, manage complex cases, collaborate with Trade Unions and employee forums, and support change programmes while ensuring governance and data-driven decision making.