Senior HR Business Partner

Abellio; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the transport sector is seeking a Senior HR Business Partner based in Birmingham. This position is critical for leading HR initiatives, ensuring compliance with legislation, and strategically aligning HR with the business. The successful candidate will come equipped with MCIPD qualifications, significant HR experience, and proven relationship-building skills. Competitive salary and benefits included.

Benefits

Defined Benefit pension scheme

Free travel on all trains within the parent group

75% off train tickets

Retail discounts

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive senior HR experience in structured and unionised environments.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships across varying levels.
• High standard of verbal and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Implement HR policies across the business to ensure compliance.
• Lead change management initiatives including restructures.
• Collaborate with the Executive Team on HR strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Influencing

Project Management

Problem Solving

Communication

Team Management

Education

MCIPD qualification

Job description

As part of the Transport UK Group, West Midlands Trains delivers around 1,300 train journeys a day, for more than 60 million passengers a year, across our two brands - London Northwestern and West Midlands Railways.

We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable train service by investing in our fleet of trains, stations, and employees. As part of this investment, we are looking to recruit a Senior HR Business Partner, on a Full Time Permanent Basis based in Birmingham. This role will lead the review and development of people policies and procedures to ensure continuous improvement that promotes business effectiveness, maximizes efficiency, and reduces risk.

Role Responsibilities

• Implement HR policies and procedures across the business to ensure compliance with legislation and best practice.
• Develop a consistent approach to people management issues by ensuring continuous professional development and maintaining effective relationships with internal functions and key stakeholders.
• Act as the functional expert on agreements, terms, and conditions, interpreting and implementing guiding rules and principles for the business.
• Manage contracts and budgets related to the organisation’s legal advice suppliers.
• Represent the Senior HR team at industry forums.
• Lead change management initiatives, including restructures and TUPE transfers.
• Collaborate with the Executive Team and Senior Stakeholders to ensure HR strategy aligns with business strategy.
• Build long-lasting, trusting relationships with trade unions.
• Create a knowledge-based culture that enables and empowers managers.

Knowledge and Experience

• MCIPD qualified.
• Extensive senior HR experience within a structured and unionised environment, including managing and developing experienced HR professionals.
• Experience developing strong relationships with trade unions.
• Understanding of the link between business strategy and HR strategy.
• Proven ability to develop relationships at all levels within an organisation.
• Solid understanding of company policies, procedures, and governance.
• Knowledge of equality and diversity issues.
• Awareness of external HR developments and emerging best practices.
• Proven influencing skills at a senior level, including facilitating joint decision-making.
• Excellent project and people management skills.
• Ability to foster a strong team environment.
• Proactive problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing change successfully.
• High standard of verbal and written communication.
• Strong leadership, influencing, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Process-oriented with attention to detail.
• Demonstrates continuous self-development.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary – Up to £60,000 depending on experience.
• Defined Benefit pension scheme.
• Free travel on all our trains and those of other train companies within our parent group – for you, your partner, and dependent children.
• 75% off other train company travel tickets.
• Retail discounts.
• Career development opportunities.

Note: Due to high application volume, the advert may close earlier than the published date. Please apply promptly to avoid missing out.

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.

Applications will be considered from colleagues with at least 6 months of experience, after completing their probationary period, and following a full check of absence and disciplinary records.