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- Tasks: Support line managers with HR issues and promote a positive workplace culture.
- Company: Join Avanti West Coast, a diverse team committed to shaping the future of rail.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous holiday, and a final salary pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Proven HR experience, knowledge of UK employment law, and strong interpersonal skills required.
- Other info: Diversity is celebrated here; bring your authentic self to work!
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the HR Advisor role at Avanti West Coast
Posted 05 January 2026 Salary Competitive Location Birmingham Job type Permanent – Full Time Reference037372 Job Function Headquarters
HR Advisor
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR Advisor with a proven track record in resolving complex employee relations cases and managing absence effectively! As a visible and trusted advisor, you’ll play a vital role in shaping a positive workplace culture while building strong relationships across our West Coast Rail Network. Your ability to navigate sensitive issues with sound judgement and professionalism will make a real difference to our people and performance.
You’ll provide expert guidance to managers on a wide range of people challenges, including ER case management, absence, and performance issues, while building capability and ensuring fair, consistent outcomes. Our ideal candidate will thrive in a fast‑paced, unionised environment and bring confidence, resilience, and a proactive approach to problem‑solving.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Employee Relations Expertise: Lead and advise on complex ER cases from start to resolution, including disciplinary, grievance, ill‑health capability, ACAS early conciliation, and Employment Tribunal preparation.
- Absence Management: Provide hands‑on support and guidance to managers on short‑ and long‑term absence cases, ensuring fair and consistent application of policy and proactive interventions.
- Trusted Advisor: Coach and build capability in line managers to handle people issues confidently and compliantly.
- Data‑Driven Insight: Analyse absence trends, ER case volumes, and KPIs to identify risks and drive continuous improvement.
- Change Support: Deliver HR support for organisational change initiatives, including restructures and redundancies.
- Collaboration & Escalation: Work closely with Strategic HR Business Partners, escalating complex issues and supporting delivery of people plans.
- Process Improvement: Identify and implement opportunities to enhance HR processes and ways of working.
What You’ll Bring
- Proven HR advisory experience, ideally within a unionised and multi‑site environment.
- Strong experience in handling complex ER cases from start through to resolution.
- Level 5 CIPD or equivalent experience.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
- Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility quickly.
- Willingness to travel nationally and be present where it matters most.
Whats In It for You?
- Final Salary Pension Scheme
- Free Travel on Avanti West Coast for you and your family
- 75% Off Leisure Travel with other train operators
- 30 Days Holiday, increasing to 37 with service (including bank holidays)
- 10 Free Journeys with other First Group train services
Be ready to lead with impact and help shape the future of rail – we’d love to hear from you.
We may close this advert early if we receive a strong response, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Be You. With Us.
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.
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.
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HR Advisor employer: Avanti West Coast
Contact Detail:
Avanti West Coast Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with UK employment law and HR best practices, especially in a unionised context. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and your ability to navigate complex employee relations.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former HR professionals in similar roles. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the challenges and expectations of the HR Advisor position at Avanti West Coast.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed employee relations cases in the past. Highlighting your hands-on experience will showcase your capability as a trusted advisor and your proactive approach to HR challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your understanding of data-driven decision-making by preparing to discuss how you've used people data to identify trends and improve HR processes. This will show that you can contribute to continuous improvement within the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the HR Advisor position. Pay attention to the key responsibilities and required skills, ensuring you can demonstrate your experience in these areas.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant HR advisory experience, particularly in unionised environments. Use specific examples that showcase your ability to manage employee relations and provide guidance to line managers.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your understanding of the role and the company culture. Emphasise your interpersonal skills and proactive approach, and explain how you can contribute to promoting a positive workplace culture.
Showcase Data-Driven Insights: If applicable, include examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to analyse people data and use it to drive decision-making. This will show your capability in supporting continuous improvement within HR processes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Avanti West Coast
✨Know Your Employment Law
Brush up on UK employment law, especially in relation to employee relations and absence management. Being able to discuss relevant legislation confidently will show your expertise and understanding of the legal landscape.
✨Demonstrate Your Advisory Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully advised line managers in the past. Highlight situations where your guidance led to positive outcomes, particularly in complex or unionised environments.
✨Showcase Data-Driven Insights
Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform HR decisions. Bring examples of how you've analysed people data to identify trends and drive improvements, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Illustrate your ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. Share experiences where you’ve partnered with HR Business Partners or other departments to resolve issues or implement changes effectively.
