Head of HR

As part of the Transport UK Group, West Midlands Trains delivers around 1,300 train journeys a day, for more than 60 million passengers a year, across our two brands – West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway.

We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable train service, by investing in our fleet of trains, stations and employees. As part of this investment, we are looking to recruit a Head of HR to work on a full-time, permanent basis based in Birmingham.

What does the job involve?

• To provide strategic leadership, direction, and professional advice to deliver people-related workstreams and HR activity and supporting the HR Director in determining and implementing HR interventions to support the delivery of HR and business strategy.
• Define the Resourcing Strategy which ensures the right people are in place at the right time and which leads to the selection and appointment of a more diverse workforce, ensuring committed targets are met, utilising opportunities to improve processes.
• Define the Organisational Design & Reward Strategy including pay and grading principles, pensions, and bonus schemes, to ensure principles and decisions are applied fairly and consistently according to contribution to the organisation. Ensure organisation charts are current with an accurate understanding of staffing levels and headcount movement such that staffing costs remain under control.
• To lead and develop the HR Services team to provide proactive support and guidance and deliver a comprehensive transactional and HR administrative services in all aspects of the employee lifecycle, Reward, Benefits, Occupational Health & Wellbeing.
• To lead and develop the Health and Wellbeing plan which leads to the creation, over time of a healthier workforce who have regard for their own lifestyle, fitness and well-being which impacts positively on attendance and improves productivity and safety whilst at work.

What skills and experience do I need to do the job?

• Degree in relevant discipline and CIPD qualified with professional membership.
• Good knowledge of HR, payroll and recruitment systems.
• Knowledge and understanding of employment law and industrial relations law.
• Exposure to a highly unionised and complex environment.
• Proven experience of developing and leading a high performing team and the ability to take a commercial approach to HR.
• Experience in project management with a proven track record of delivering on objectives.
• Demonstrable experience of developing and successfully executing Human Resource Strategy.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure and within a small dynamic team.
• Ability to communicate effectively, with excellent interpersonal and networking skills.
• Ability to manage a complex workload and work to tight deadlines.
• Experience of contract management of external suppliers ensuring they deliver their key result areas and commitments.

What are the salary and benefits?

• Competitive dependant on experience.
• Defined Benefit pension – one of the best in the UK.
• Free travel on all our trains and those of other train companies within our parent group company – for you, your partner and any dependent children.
• 75% off all other train company travel tickets.
• Retail discounts.
• Career development opportunities.

Due to the volume of applications, we receive, the advert may close earlier than the published closing date. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure no-one receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race/ethnicity, religion, belief and sexual orientation.

Applications will be considered from colleagues with 6 months experience, after completion of their probationary period and a full check of absence and disciplinary records.

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