Strategic Senior Employee Relations Partner

Arriva Group; Thurmaston; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Arriva UK Bus is seeking a Senior Employee Relations Business Partner to shape our ER agenda and support senior leaders across UK depots. You’ll act as the trusted ER advisor, balancing legal compliance with business priorities, culture and employee experience.

You’ll lead on complex cases, coach HR colleagues, and develop governance, policy and change initiatives to strengthen leadership capability across the business.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in senior Employee Relations or HRBP roles.
• Experience in a large, complex, unionised environment.
• Proven track record managing complex ER cases and tribunals.
• Excellent knowledge of UK employment law and ER best practice.
• Experience partnering with senior leadership and unions.

Responsibilities

• Lead on complex, high-risk ER matters ensuring compliant outcomes.
• Act as senior escalation point for ER Partners, HR teams and leaders.
• Develop proactive ER strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Use ER data to identify risks and inform decisions.
• Develop ER policies, governance, and manager guidance.
• Drive early intervention to reduce risk and improve experience.
• Oversee ER systems, reporting and case management.
• Collaborate with Trade Unions and employee forums.
• Support organisational change programmes and consultations.
• Coach ER and HR colleagues to build capability.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and case law.

Skills

Senior stakeholder influence

Employee relations

Coaching & mentoring

Data-driven decision making

UK employment law

Tribunal preparation

Trade unions collaboration

Policy development

Governance and reporting

Change management

Education

CIPD Level 5 or Level 7 (or equivalent)

Job description

Arriva UK Bus is seeking a Senior Employee Relations Business Partner to shape our ER agenda and support senior leaders across UK depots. You’ll act as the trusted ER advisor, balancing legal compliance with business priorities, culture and employee experience.

You’ll lead on complex cases, coach HR colleagues, and develop governance, policy and change initiatives to strengthen leadership capability across the business.