Employee Relations Business Partner

Employee Relations Business Partner

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead investigations and provide expert guidance on complex employee relations matters.
  • Company: Join Arriva, a leading provider of passenger transport across Europe.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to make a real impact.
  • Other info: Collaborate with diverse stakeholders and support organisational change initiatives.
  • Why this job: Shape positive employee relations and drive meaningful change in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in Employee Relations and strong knowledge of UK employment legislation.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

Job Summary

Are you an experienced Employee Relations professional looking to make a real impact in a complex and fast-paced environment?

We're looking for an Employee Relations Partner to play a pivotal role in shaping positive employee relations across our UK depots.

This is an exciting opportunity to provide expert guidance on complex ER matters, influence key stakeholders, and drive proactive solutions that support both our people and business objectives.

Working closely with leaders, HR colleagues, and Trade Union representatives, you'll help create a culture where employee relations issues are effectively managed, risks are mitigated, and managers are empowered to make informed decisions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead investigations into complex and high-risk employee relations cases, ensuring fair and consistent outcomes while minimising business risk.
  • Provide expert advice and guidance on a range of ER matters including disciplinaries, grievances, absence management, and performance issues.
  • Support and coach HR and management teams on complex employee relations challenges.
  • Analyse employee relations data, identify trends, and provide meaningful management information and insights.
  • Develop and implement strategies, policies, manager guidance, and initiatives in response to emerging ER trends.
  • Introduce and embed proactive case management frameworks, taking a risk-based approach to case resolution.
  • Drive process improvements for managing ER case files and data, helping to reduce case volumes and improve efficiency.
  • Build strong working relationships with operational leaders, HR colleagues, and Trade Union representatives to foster positive employee relations.
  • Support organisational change programmes and wider people initiatives across the business.
  • Promote manager ownership and accountability for employee relations issues.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment law and HR best practice to ensure compliance and minimise risk.

Qualifications

  • Significant experience in an Employee Relations role, handling complex and sensitive ER cases.
  • Proven experience working in a unionised environment and building effective relationships with Trade Union representatives.
  • Strong knowledge of UK employment legislation and its practical application.
  • Excellent coaching, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
  • A commercially focused approach with sound judgement and the confidence to make balanced decisions.
  • The ability to share knowledge, challenge constructively, and drive best practice.
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Analytical capability with experience producing ER metrics, trend analysis, and management reporting.
  • Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications and HR systems.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to take a strategic and influential role within employee relations, helping to shape how ER is managed across the business.

You'll work with a wide range of stakeholders, contribute to meaningful change initiatives, and play a key role in creating a positive employee experience.

If you're passionate about employee relations and thrive on solving complex people challenges, we'd love to hear from you.

About Arriva

Arriva is a leading provider of passenger transport across Europe, employing around 34,400 people and delivering around 1.6 billion passenger journeys.

With buses, trains, coaches, trams, waterbuses, bike-sharing systems, on-demand transport solutions and a rolling stock leasing company, Arriva proudly connects people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably across 11 countries, delivering these services in a better way, every day.

The activities of Arriva are divided into four business units: UK Bus, UK Trains, The Netherlands and Mainland Europe.

Arriva has passenger transport operations in the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom, and also operates a rolling stock leasing company in Romania.

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Employee Relations Business Partner employer: Arriva UK Bus Limited

Arriva is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful HR projects that enhance the employee experience while working alongside senior stakeholders in a supportive culture. The hybrid working model and diverse locations, including Doxford, Derby, and Thurmaston, provide flexibility and a chance to contribute to meaningful change in the transport sector.

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Contact Details:

Arriva UK Bus Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Business Partner

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 UK Bus Limited!

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 UK Bus Limited.

We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Business Partner

Employee Relations Expertise
Investigation Skills
Disciplinary and Grievance Management
Absence Management
Performance Management
Coaching Skills
Stakeholder Management

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 UK Bus Limited. 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 UK Bus Limited 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 UK Bus Limited. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Arriva UK Bus Limited'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 UK Bus Limited

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 UK Bus Limited.

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 UK Bus Limited 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 UK Bus Limited and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.