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 professional growth.
- Other info: Regular travel required; embrace your individuality and thrive with us.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, strong employment law knowledge, and a degree or CIPD Level 7 preferred.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ 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. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional who is comfortable working in a fast-paced, customer-focused, and unionised environment.
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. One day per week you will be required to work from our Head office located in Birmingham.
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.
Strategic HR Business Partner employer: Avanti West Coast
At Avanti West Coast, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values diversity and fosters a supportive work culture. As a Strategic HR Business Partner, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across our operational network while enjoying a collaborative environment that encourages personal and professional growth. With a commitment to employee well-being and a focus on building strong relationships, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to thrive in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic HR Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the HR field. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your personality during interviews! We want to see the real you, so don’t just stick to rehearsed answers. Share your experiences and how they’ve shaped your approach to HR. This is your chance to shine and show why you’re the perfect fit for our team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some thoughtful questions for your interviewers. This shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company. Ask about their HR strategies or how they handle employee engagement. It’s a great way to demonstrate your strategic thinking skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It’s also a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and remind them why you’d be a great addition to the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic HR Business Partner
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 experience in customer-focused and unionised environments, as well as your strong employment law knowledge.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've built relationships with senior leaders and provided pragmatic advice in previous positions.
Showcase Your Adaptability:In your application, emphasise your ability to adapt to changing priorities and your resilience in fast-paced environments. We want to see how you’ve successfully navigated challenges in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with 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're not just a generalist but someone who can provide clear, pragmatic advice.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves working closely with senior leaders and trade unions, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced or coached managers in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to connect and collaborate effectively.
✨Show Your Strategic Side
Be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to workforce planning and engagement strategies in the past. Think of specific instances where your strategic thinking led to positive outcomes for the business. This will help you stand out as someone who can balance operational impact with long-term goals.
✨Embrace Diversity and Inclusion
Avanti West Coast values diversity, so be ready to talk about how you've supported diverse teams or initiatives in your previous roles. Share your thoughts on creating an inclusive workplace and how you can contribute to their goal of reflecting the communities they serve.
