HR Graduate

HR Graduate

Full-Time 25000 - 32000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide top-notch HR support and help transform transportation at Colas Rail.
  • Company: Join Colas Rail, a leader in rail infrastructure with a family-like culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 26 days leave, healthcare, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity make this a great opportunity.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your HR career in an inclusive team that values your unique perspective.
  • Qualifications: Recent graduates with a passion for HR and strong communication skills are encouraged to apply.

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.

Make your mark with Colas Rail UK

At Colas Rail, differences matter.

Join a team where being your authentic self is respected, encouraged, and vital to our success.

At Colas Rail you'll be at home.

You'll be welcomed into an inclusive team where there's a role for every talent and a close-knit, familial culture.

You will also get the opportunity to help us transform transportation, set new standards, and dare to be different.

  • This is true because
  • We value everyone as part of the same team.
  • We treat everyone as equals - and everyone is approachable, from the CEO down.
  • We put you in control of your career to lead and grow in any way you want.
  • We have a culture of care, from safe working environments to diversity and inclusion.
  • We're renowned for innovation, adopting new ideas, and daring to be different.
  • We are building a more sustainable future and our projects impact infrastructure for generations.

About Us

Step into the world of Colas Rail, where a century of expertise merges with a daring spirit to shape the future of rail infrastructure.

At Colas Rail, we deliver transport solutions for sustainable mobility.

We are a leading rail infrastructure business with on track plant and freight capabilities.

As a subsidiary of the Colas Group, we are part of over a hundred years' experience in delivering major innovations across our sector.

Every day, thousands of trains run on tracks built, designed, or maintained by Colas Rail.

Leading by our Values

Respect, Commitment, Pioneering and Sharing are at the heart of everything we do. These values feed into our main strategies and accompany us daily in realising our ambitions.

We Respect our employees, celebrate diversity and foster a culture of safety, care and respect for everyone we interact with.

We care about our employee’s wellbeing and create an environment of inclusivity and support.

We Commit by showing up wholeheartedly.

When we commit together, we invest in everyone’s success.

We invest in our customers, our teams and our colleagues, and we lead with safety, integrity, passion, purpose, ethics and transparency.

We Share as we all hold knowledge that could and should be shared, enabling us to grow and making us a strong collective.

We have a passion for excellence, celebrating achievements and nurturing talent.

We Pioneer to push boundaries, imagine what does not yet exist and dare to do what others do not. We innovate with ambition, and we find solutions.

Even if you don't meet every requirement, please don't rule yourself out, we still encourage you to apply if your skills, values, and experience align to the role.

Purpose of the Role

To provide a high-quality, cost-effective HR service within Colas Rail.

To ensure the effective operation of internal administration and recruitment processes, and to provide first line support for HR related queries across the business.

The role requires confidentiality, flexibility, dedication, and commitment, and includes inputting data into numerous HR Systems, key performance indicator reporting, and first point of contact responsibilities for recruitment, onboarding, and HR related queries.

  • Key Areas of Responsibility & Accountability
  • HR Administration
  • Ensure effective delivery of all internal HR administration processes including contract preparation, contractual changes, processing BPSS (onboarding) checks, new starters, probation periods, transfers, MFA triggers, terminations, inductions, and HR data management.
  • Provide first-line assistance with HR queries from employees via dedicated phone line and inbox including advising on employee benefits and pay queries.
  • Ensuring matters are dealt with to a high standard and in a timely manner.
  • Prepare and analyse HR data as required including monthly board reporting, absence management and salary survey completion.
  • Produce and issue contracts of employment and offer letters, ensure that eligibility documentation is provided, and copies retained.
  • Administer and update the HR systems maintain employee records.
  • Support the company's attendance management procedure via proactive management of sickness, i. e: chasing of certificates; identifying trends, ensuring that relevant return to work interview paperwork is retained, monitoring long term sickness, referrals to Occupational Health etc.
  • Assist with development and maintenance of HR policies and procedures including maintenance of HR intranet.
  • Involvement in HR projects as required including TUPE processes, employee engagement, policy & procedure review and organisational design/ changes.
  • Provide administration support for wider HR team as requested.
  • Manage the probation review process.
  • Process leavers and ensure the HR system is updated, and relevant documentation is sent to the employee.
  • Recruitment
  • Assisting the recruitment team and arranging of interviews both face to face and via teams.
  • Process the relevant recruitment administration for new starters such as Colas Rail Contract Offer Forms.
  • Ensure communication regarding the recruitment process is managed timely and effectively.
  • Help with advertising approved vacancies on Colas Rail website.
  • Advertise, track and update candidate status as appropriate on HRIS.
  • Undertake pre-screening questionaries with candidates if required.
  • As you will expect the organisation may change from time to time and you will be expected to meet the operational requirements.
  • Any other reasonable duties as required from time to time.
  • HR Systems
  • Assist with HRIS projects/initiatives as needed.
  • As you will expect the organisation may change from time to time and you will be expected to meet the operational requirements.
  • Any other reasonable duties as required from time to time.

Person Specification

This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate who is interested in developing a career in Human Resources.

Strong customer service and Microsoft word/excel skills, with attention to detail and ability to learn quickly is also required.

They will need to have a willingness to travel on occasion and where needed to sites across the UK.

Qualifications/Experience

  • A minimum of a 2:2 degree is required, this can be in any subject; most importantly you will have a passion for developing a career in HR.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Ability to prioritise work, and achieve deadlines.
  • Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
  • Team player with an ability to work on own initiative.
  • Customer focused.
  • Highly proficient user of Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel.
  • Experience of working as part of a team in a fast-paced environment to meet challenging deadlines.

What We Offer

  • Competitive Salary
  • 26 days Annual Leave
  • Industry leading Life Assurance
  • Healthcare Cash Plan
  • Wellbeing Employee Assistant Programme
  • Pension Scheme
  • Eye Care Vouchers
  • Long Service Award
  • Season Ticket Loan
  • Occupational Health Service

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we actively seek to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, heard, valued and respected.

Regardless of background, disability, age, race, religion, or gender, everyone is welcome at Colas Rail.

We strive to promote equity and eliminate discrimination, actively seeking to create a workforce reflective of communities we serve.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, offering flexible and inclusive adjustments to the interview process.

As part of a positive action drive to address under-representation we encourage applications from women, ethnically diverse individuals and people with disabilities, along with all candidates who identify with protected characteristic groups under the Equality Act 2010.

We are proudly part of the Disability Confidence Scheme, and as such we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme if you meet the minimum requirements.

On joining Colas Rail you’ll have access to our growing Employee Network Groups including Railbow (representing the LGBTQ+ community), Beyon Disability (representing those with disabilities) and Cross Culture (representing people from ethnic backgrounds).

Everyone is welcome to join our network groups whether you are part of the community or an ally.

Work life balance is important to us; flexible working options are available where feasible and dependant on the role. Please discuss this during the interview process.

Join us in making a positive impact! Apply and be part of a team that values diversity and embraces unique perspectives.

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HR Graduate employer: Colas Rail UK

Colas Rail UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birmingham where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and advancement within the rail industry, all while fostering an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives. Join us to be part of meaningful projects that shape the future of light rail transport.

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Contact Details:

Colas Rail UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land HR Graduate

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 Colas Rail UK!

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 Colas Rail UK.

We think you need these skills to ace HR Graduate

HR Administration
Data Management
Customer Service
Microsoft Office (Word and Excel)
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills

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

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Colas Rail UK'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 Colas Rail UK

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 Colas Rail UK.

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 Colas Rail UK 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 Colas Rail UK and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.