At a Glance
- Tasks: Partner with leaders to deliver strategic HR initiatives and support operational performance.
- Company: Join Arriva Rail Services, a diverse rail business committed to employee wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, 25 days leave, and travel perks.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and ongoing learning in a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while shaping people practices.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR roles with strong employee relations and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
- HR Business Partner
- Hybrid working with travel across Arriva Rail Services locations required
Reporting to
Head of HR
Contract
Permanent
Location
Flexible / Hybrid
Arriva Rail Services brings together a diverse portfolio of rail businesses, supporting the safe, reliable and efficient delivery of rail transport services across the UK.
We're looking for an experienced HR Business Partner to deliver a proactive, commercially focused HR service that supports our people, drives operational performance and enables business growth.
This is an excellent opportunity for an HR professional who enjoys partnering with leaders, influencing positive change and delivering practical people solutions across a fast-paced and varied operational environment.
The Role - HR Business Partner
Reporting to the Head of HR, you will be responsible for overseeing the HR support service provided across the business, partnering with leaders to deliver strategic HR initiatives and providing expert guidance on complex employee relations matters.
You will also lead key HR projects, support organisational change and help shape people practices that enable the business to achieve its objectives.
Benefits
At Arriva Rail Services, we recognise the importance of rewarding our colleagues and supporting their wellbeing. In return for your expertise and commitment, you'll benefit from:
- Competitive salary
- Company pension scheme
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Hybrid working arrangements
- Arriva Village staff benefits and retail discounts
- Access to employee assistance and wellbeing programmes
- Free or reduced-rate travel benefits across Arriva services (where applicable)
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
- Career progression across the wider Arriva Group
- A supportive and collaborative working environment where your contribution can make a real impact
- Key Accountabilities
- Support the Head of HR in delivering strategic HR initiatives and deputise when required.
- Build strong partnerships with operational leaders and stakeholders across the wider Arriva business.
- Lead on complex employee relations cases and provide expert employment law advice.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with Trade Unions and employee representatives.
- Lead and support key business projects, including TUPE transfers and organisational change programmes.
- Analyse HR metrics and trends to provide insight and drive business improvement.
- Coach and support managers to build capability and ensure consistent people management practices.
- Ensure HR processes, systems and policies remain compliant and effective.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with business leaders to support the delivery of business and people strategies.
- Provide expert advice and guidance on employment law, employee relations and HR best practice.
- Manage complex and high-risk employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, consultation and restructuring matters.
- Lead HR projects, including TUPE transfers, changes to working practices and policy implementation.
- Support collective pay negotiations and coordinate annual pay review and bonus processes.
- Work closely with the Talent Acquisition team to support workforce planning and attraction strategies.
- Oversee onboarding, induction and employee lifecycle processes to ensure compliance and a positive employee experience.
- Manage relationships with Occupational Health providers and support employee wellbeing initiatives.
- Lead, coach and develop HR Officers within the business.
- Produce, analyse and present HR data, KPI reports and management information to support decision-making.
- Ensure HR systems and employee data remain accurate, compliant and fit for purpose.
- Our Requirements
- Proven experience in a HR Business Partner, HR Manager or Senior HR Advisor role.
- Strong employee relations experience, including managing complex and high-risk cases.
- Excellent knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- Experience leading organisational change initiatives and HR projects.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility at all levels.
- Excellent communication, coaching and relationship-building skills.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to use data to identify trends and inform decisions.
- Experience using HR systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
Desirable Experience
- Experience working within a unionised environment.
- Experience supporting TUPE transfers and large-scale organisational change.
- Experience within rail, engineering, transport, manufacturing or another operationally focused industry.
- Knowledge of Workday or similar HRIS platforms.
Why Join Arriva Rail Services?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a business where HR is valued as a true partner to operations.
You'll have the chance to influence key decisions, lead meaningful projects and help develop a high-performing, engaged workforce across a nationally recognised rail business.
If you're a commercially focused HR professional who enjoys balancing strategic thinking with operational delivery, we'd love to hear from you.
How to Apply
All applications for this vacancy are to be submitted online.
If you have applied and been rejected for this role or a role with a similar skill set in the last six months, we will not re-consider you for this position.
After six months, we will treat your application as a new one.
Due to the energising nature of our vacancies, application close dates, when stated, are indicative and may be subject to change, so please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Shortlisting and interviews may take place whilst the advert is live, and the vacancy will close once a successful candidate has been identified.
We therefore encourage early applications.
We acknowledge the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents and cultures.
Embracing diversity and inclusion is a key component of our talent strategy.
The creation of a diverse, inclusive workforce is central to our ability to unlock potential and enhance our success.
Locations
Human Resources Business Partner in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Arriva Rail Services
Arriva Rail Services is an exceptional employer that values its HR professionals as key partners in driving operational success and fostering a collaborative work culture. With competitive salaries, hybrid working options, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing and development, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact while enjoying a supportive environment that encourages career progression across the wider Arriva Group.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Business Partner in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Arriva Rail Services!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Arriva Rail Services.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Business Partner in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Arriva Rail Services. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Arriva Rail Services and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Arriva Rail Services. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Arriva Rail Services's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Rail Services
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Arriva Rail Services.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Arriva Rail Services will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Arriva Rail Services and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
