At a Glance
- Tasks: Support our people agenda and build strong relationships across the organisation.
- Company: Join Avanti West Coast, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Embrace your individuality and thrive in a close-knit team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in HR while working with passionate and committed colleagues.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, strong employment law knowledge, and a degree or CIPD Level 7 preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an HR expert who loves balancing strategic thinking with hands on operational impact? We are seeking a confident and capable Strategic HR Business Partner to join our team and play a key role in supporting our people agenda across a diverse operational network.
About The Role
- Build strong, effective relationships with senior leaders, operational managers, colleagues, and trade union representatives.
- Provide clear, pragmatic advice on a full range of employment matters, highlighting risks and guiding managers towards sound, compliant decisions.
- Work closely with our HR Services team and subject matter experts to deliver a consistent, high quality HR service.
- Support the implementation and embedding of organisational and industry-wide changes, working collaboratively with trade unions.
- Maintain a strong presence across our stations, depots, and offices, ensuring HR remains visible, accessible, and aligned to the needs of the business.
- Contribute directly to the delivery of key business objectives through proactive workforce planning, engagement, and problem-solving.
This role requires regular travel across our network and a commitment to being in the workplace for the majority of the working week.
About You
- Has experience in a customer-focused, operational, and ideally unionised environment.
- Is a well-rounded HR generalist with strong employment law knowledge.
- Can confidently challenge, influence, and coach senior managers.
- Is highly organised, resilient, and able to adapt to changing priorities.
- Builds trust quickly and acts as a reliable, professional advisor at all levels.
Qualifications
- Degree-level education or CIPD Level 7 qualification (preferred).
At Avanti West Coast, we believe our strength comes from the unique perspectives, experiences and backgrounds of our people. We are proud to build a workplace where diversity is embraced, and everyone is supported to thrive. We welcome individuals of all races, religions, ages, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations and abilities. Our goal is to reflect the communities we serve and create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. When you join Avanti West Coast, you become part of a close-knit team that encourages authenticity. We want you to bring your whole self to work. No need to change who you are to fit in. Your individuality is what makes us better. We celebrate it, we respect it and we put it to great use.
Our Avanti West Coast Values
- Passionate – We foster a culture where everyone is driven by our mission and are dedicated to achieving it together.
- Committed – We are committed to safety, reliability and delivering the very best for our customers, our colleagues, stakeholders and the industry.
- Integrity – We believe in taking responsibility for our reactions and decisions to ensure we do the right thing even when it is difficult to do and hold others accountable for doing the same.
- Ambitious – We strive to be the best and are curious to new ways of working within our business and the wider industry.
- Authentic – We are genuine, caring and grounded individuals that operate and communicate with openness, trust and clarity.
Strategic HR Business Partner in Birmingham employer: Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and operational excellence in the catering sector. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer continuous growth opportunities and a collaborative work culture that values your contributions. Located in a dynamic environment, our team enjoys the unique advantage of being part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to enhancing customer experiences through cutting-edge digital systems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic HR Business Partner in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at companies you’re interested in. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company’s values and recent news. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise common interview questions and have some examples ready that showcase your skills in HR and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Strategic HR Business Partner position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. It shows you’re serious about joining our team and helps us get to know you better right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic HR Business Partner in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Strategic HR Business Partner role. Highlight your HR expertise, especially in operational and unionised environments, to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about HR and how your background makes you a great match for our team. Don’t forget to mention your commitment to diversity and inclusion!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to influence and coach senior managers. We love seeing how you've made a tangible impact in previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Avanti West Coast!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avanti West Coast
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your employment law knowledge and HR best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex HR situations in the past, especially in unionised environments. This will show that you can provide clear, pragmatic advice.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships with senior leaders and operational managers. Prepare examples of how you've influenced decision-making or coached managers in previous roles. This is key for a Strategic HR Business Partner.
✨Show Your Adaptability
Be prepared to talk about times when you've had to adapt to changing priorities. Highlight your organisational skills and resilience, as these are crucial for maintaining a strong presence across various locations and ensuring HR aligns with business needs.
✨Embrace Diversity
Familiarise yourself with Avanti West Coast's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Think about how you can contribute to this culture and be ready to share your thoughts on creating an inclusive workplace. Authenticity is valued, so don’t hold back on sharing your unique perspective.
