Job Description

General Description:

The HR Business Partner will play a key operational and strategic role, providing expert HR support across the business. The role requires a hands-on

approach to managing day-to-day Employee Relations matters while partnering with operational leaders to drive people performance, compliance, and

engagement.

In addition, the HR Business Partner will have supervisory responsibility for a team of three HR Administrators, ensuring high-quality HR service delivery and

development of the team, while acting as a trusted advisor to managers and leaders.

Responsibilities:

Lead and manage complex and routine Employee Relations cases including disciplinary, grievance, absence management, performance

management, and capability issues

Provide practical, commercial, and legally compliant HR advice to line managers and Senior managers including exec roles, in a unionised and

safety-critical environment

Support and advise on redundancy, TUPE, restructuring, and change management activities where required Ensure consistent application of company policies, procedures, and employment legislation Coach and upskill line managers in effective people management and ER best practice Manage employee casework from initial advice through to resolution, including attendance at hearings and appeals Align HR activity with business objectives Support initiatives related to engagement, retention, wellbeing, and performance improvement Contribute to HR projects and wider people initiatives aligned with the HR strategy Provide day-to-day supervision and guidance Allocate workload, monitor performance, and ensure timely and high-quality HR service delivery Support the development of the HR team through coaching, mentoring, and regular feedback Act as an escalation point for complex cases handled by the team Support the HR Manager with team objectives, resource planning, and continuous improvement Ensure HR practices comply with employment law, rail/engineering industry standards, and internal governance Maintain accurate documentation and records for all ER cases Support audits, inspections, and regulatory requirements where applicable Promote a culture of fairness, dignity, respect, consistency, and professionalism

Education Requirements/Person Specification:

Essential

Proven experience in an HR Business Partner or Senior HR Advisor role Strong hands-on experience managing Employee Relations casework in a fast-paced environment Sound knowledge of UK employment law and ER best practice Confident communicator with the ability to influence and challenge stakeholders at all levels CIPD qualification (Level 5 minimum; Level 7 desirable)

Desirable

Experience working in a unionised environment Experience supporting operational or site-based workforces * Exposure to change management, TUPE, or restructuring