Job Description

At Network Rail, we're part of a large family serving millions of passengers and freight users throughout the UK every day. Our service impacts millions of people and we strive to become more efficient as we enhance, maintain, and operate our network.
Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We're an organisation where people matter. When you're part of our team, you matter to us, and you matter to millions.
The Wales & Western region includes more than 2,700 miles of railway and we serve communities and businesses of Wales, the Thames Valley, West of England, and the Southwest Peninsula.
Our ambition to be responsive to passengers and freight users drives us every day and we're empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues, and protecting safety and wellbeing.
About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone!
As a Network Rail employee, you will enjoy a wide range of benefits!
xc2xb7 Privileged staff travel - Leisure travel discount of 75% on all leisure travel and includes family members.
xc2xb7 A subsidy of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets if you travel to work on the train.
xc2xb7 GWR ticket alliance - Heavily discounted all day passes for you and up to 3 friends and family to use across the GWR network.
xc2xb7 Benefits package including healthcare offers, a cycle to work scheme, discounted healthcare club membership, and a discounted offers and benefits including childcare, healthcare and online shopping site.
xc2xb7 A range of Pension schemes to choose from
xc2xb7 Effectively manage work-life balance with a 35hrs per week contract, flexible leave, and enhanced family friendly support.
xc2xb7 5 days paid volunteering leave.
xc2xb7 2 weeks paid reserve leave for the Armed Forces community.
In Wales and Western region, you will have the opportunity to join PROUD, our reward and recognition scheme where you can say thanks and recognise colleagues across the region who have demonstrated outstanding values and behaviours.
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We want to help deliver a railway which is safe, reliable, affordable and that provides great customer service to everyone.
Brief Description
The Employee Relations (ER) Business Partner plays a crucial role in maintaining positive relationships between employees and the organisation. They provide geographical, face to face expert guidance and support on highly complex employee relations cases, in line with Network Rail policies and procedures, in addition to the coaching and development of line managers.
Working closely with HR Business Partners to deliver an effective, consistent and collaborative HR service, this role is essential for fostering a positive work environment and ensuring that employee relations are managed effectively and in compliance with legal and organisational standards.
About the role (External)
Your Main Responsibilities will be to:
1. Provide professional, expert, face to face Human Resources advice, coaching and support to cross functional line managers when dealing with escalated complex Employee Relations cases across a defined geographical area and in line with Network Rail policies and procedures.
2. Provide clear guidance to managers regarding their responsibilities within a process or procedure and the elements the HR function will undertake.
3. Proactively manage and develop relationships and communication channels with Business Partner teams and HR Direct regarding complex ER cases and development requirements.
4. Development and delivery of targeted line manager up-skilling working closely with the HR Business Partner and broader HR Direct team on company wide initiatives.
5. Maintain and track case records and documentation through HR Direct and Network Rail systems in a timely manner.
6. Provide coaching, guidance and support to enable line managers to formulate pragmatic and business focussed solutions which are balanced with policy application and broader employment legislation.
7. Responsible for the provision of consistent advice to line managers and therefore required to liaise across the broader HR function and share knowledge proactively.
8. Proactively maintain own knowledge on Employment Legislation and Organisational awareness.
9. Provide support to the ER Operations Manager or HR Business Partner team/s as required/requested.
You will ideally have
xc2xb7 A proven track record in a previous HR Advisory role, in particular experience of dealing with numerous and highly complex Employee Relations cases, up to and including Tribunal stage across a number of organisation functions within a large complex organisation.
xc2xb7 Demonstrates strong commercial approach and understanding of business needs.
xc2xb7 Experience of development and delivery of manager up-skilling both individually and through workshops/formal development interventions.
xc2xb7 Up to date Employment Law knowledge and practical application of legislation.
xc2xb7 Passionate about customer service and delivering professional HR support to the business.
xc2xb7 Capability to establish professional credibility quickly.
xc2xb7 Experience of coaching and influencing line managers and senior business leaders.
xc2xb7 Strong time management, organisation and prioritisation skills and the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
xc2xb7 Ability to travel and work across a geographical area covering numerous locations.
xc2xb7 Strong analytical and diagnostic skills.
xc2xb7 Experience of working within a Unionised environment.
xc2xb7 Resilient, Adaptable and Flexible.
xc2xb7 CIPD qualified or relevant experience to demonstrate level of competence.
xc2xb7 Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively across a broad spectrum of managers with varying levels of capability.
Desirable
xc2xb7 Experience of advising managers and others on a variety of Network Rail terms and conditions of employment.
xc2xb7 Experience of providing advisory support across a number of Network Rail functions.
xc2xb7 Experience of working in a remote capacity, independently and on own initiative.
Not sure if you meet all the requirements? Let us decide.
How to apply (External)
This role is a Band 4C role - maximum salary xc2xa345,000 per annum.
Closing date: 11th June 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
Location is flexible across Western route: you could be based near Swindon, Gloucester, Bristol, Exeter, and Plymouth but will need to be willing to travel as necessary.
Please get your application in as soon as possible, we may close the advert before the listed closing date if we receive enough applications. Late applications will not be accepted.
Click 'apply now' to apply.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.
Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzz words for us. We're constantly striving to make sure we provide a welcoming and safe environment for everyone. We recognise that certain groups are under-represented within our team and we're working closely with our regional diversity and inclusion networks to make sure we support these groups as best as we can.
We are working in conjunction with the Cultural Fusion team. If you would like support with your application or interview please contact or visit the connect page: . For all other support please contact your HR Business Partner.
Network Rail is a and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles. You can visit for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Our Drugs and Alcohol Standard has changed. All prospective candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5-year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced.
Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety on your application.