Strategic HR Partner — Change & Talent Leader, Midlands

Arriva; Leicester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Arriva UK Bus is seeking a Senior HR Business Partner to join the People team and lead the Midlands region's people strategy, reporting to the HR People Operations Director. You will partner with senior leaders to drive workforce planning, talent development, and employee engagement while advising on complex employee relations matters.

You will champion HR best practices, support transformation programmes, and ensure a professional, compliant HR service across the region with data-driven

Qualifications

• Significant HR experience in a large, complex organisation.
• Proven track record as a Senior HR Business Partner or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and ER best practice.
• Experience leading organisational change and transformation programmes.
• Excellent stakeholder management and coaching skills.
• CIPD Level 7 qualification is highly desirable.
• Degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field desirable.

Responsibilities

• Partner with senior operational leaders to develop and implement HR strategies that support regional and business objectives.
• Providing expert advice on organisational design, workforce planning, talent management, employee relations, and change management.
• Leading complex employee relations cases, ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes.
• Supporting organisational change, restructuring, and transformation programmes.
• Driving talent acquisition, succession planning, retention, and leadership development initiatives.
• Championing employee engagement activities and fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture.
• Using people data and HR metrics to identify trends, manage risk, and recommend improvements.
• Collaborating with specialist HR teams to deliver integrated people solutions.
• Ensuring compliance with employment legislation, company policies, and HR best practice.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Employee relations

Leadership

Talent management

Organisational design

Employee engagement

Education

CIPD Level 7

Degree in HR or Business

Job description

Arriva UK Bus is seeking a Senior HR Business Partner to join the People team and lead the Midlands region's people strategy, reporting to the HR People Operations Director. You will partner with senior leaders to drive workforce planning, talent development, and employee engagement while advising on complex employee relations matters.

You will champion HR best practices, support transformation programmes, and ensure a professional, compliant HR service across the region with data-driven