Senior People Business Partner

South Western Railway; Southampton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the transport sector is seeking a Senior People Business Partner to join their team in Southampton. In this role, you'll be responsible for enhancing business performance through strategic people management initiatives and providing high-level support in employee relations. This position demands a strong proactive approach to meet both current and future business needs while facilitating an inclusive environment.

Benefits

Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees

Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants

Full training and support with development

Excellent pension scheme

Qualifications

• Educated to Degree level or equivalent.
• CIPD Qualified or equivalent.
• Experienced People Professional with strategic and operational expertise.

Responsibilities

• Drive and implement the People & Culture Strategy.
• Act as consultant for high-risk/complex ER cases.
• Provide proactive People service across the supported area.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Leadership

Understanding of business needs

Education

Degree level education or equivalent

CIPD Qualified or equivalent

Minimum GCSE in Maths and English Grade A - C

Job description

Who are we?

South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight.

Join our team and help us continue to bring people together to get the most out of life.

About the job

To work as an integral member of supported business senior leadership team, to proactively identify, plan and meet the people needs of the business in order to improve business performance. Responsible in conjunction with the Head of People Services for leading a team of out based People Business Partners to deliver pro-active, value added People Support to the supported business leaders across the function on medium term and operational people issues. Act as the project lead in managing complex people issues.

This role will be titled Senior People Business Partner.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Working closely with the supported business area/s to develop, drive and implement the People & Culture Strategy/People plan to include; ER case management, training and development, talent & succession planning and change management, in order to support the delivery of business objectives and drive a high performance culture.
• Act as an integral member of the business leadership team, building strong relationships with senior business leaders and other relevant stakeholders. Coach, advise and support the development/execution of integrated medium to long term people initiatives to meet current and future business needs.
• Overall responsibility for all high risk/complex ER cases, i.e. disciplines, grievances, AWOL, ill health severance and redeployments. Undertake regular case reviews and disseminate lessons learnt to the Line Management community.
• Responsible for providing pro-active, value add People service to the supported business leaders across the function/area on medium term and operational people issues.
• Act as expert on all people procedural matters ensuring fairness and consistency
• Support the Head of People Services to develop a climate whereby line managers accept and are supported appropriately to accept responsibility for people management and embrace best practice in People & Culture initiatives, systems and procedures.
• Management of employment tribunal cases in liaison with solicitors and the Head of People Services
• Overall responsibility for compliance with People & Culture policies and procedures
• Overall responsibility for compliance with the data protection act.
• Responsible for the continuous professional development of the People Business Partners
• Act as a member of the job evaluation panel

You'll need to be:

• Educated to Degree level (or equivalent) with a minimum GCSE in Maths and English Grade A - C
• CIPD Qualified or equivalent
• Experienced People Professional with previous experience at both strategic and operational level.
• Strong communication skills including the ability to influence at all levels.
• Demonstrates strong business/commercial approach and understanding of business needs.
• Proven experience of working in partnership with senior business leaders in order to improve people management.
• Sound knowledge of employment legislation.
• Ability to lead and develop a team of People professionals.

Applicants who require a visa must have 6 months remaining at the time of their appointment.

About the location

This role will require travel around the network, however, you will predominantly be based in Southampton.

Overline House is conveniently situated overlooking Southampton Central Station and is easily accessible by public transport. The station is very local to West Quay, a hub for retailers and restaurants, and provides an excellent link between London, Coastal areas and the Isle of Wight.

Working pattern

You will work an average of 37 hours per week, typically, Monday to Friday, office hours.

The Reward

In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits, including:

• Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees
• Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent
• Full training and support with development
• Excellent pension scheme

We all belong at SWR. Our vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.

https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/

https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/