HR & Training Advisor in Croydon

Are you a proactive, highly organised, detail-driven HR professional with a passion for training and delivering an exceptional employee experience? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, forward-thinking transport environment? If so… keep reading — this could be the perfect next step for you.

As our HR and Training Advisor, you’ll play a pivotal role in the smooth day-to-day running of the HR function. You’ll be at the heart of recruitment, training and development, colleague engagement and well-being, talent and succession planning, employee relations, reporting and KPIs. You’ll partner closely with managers, acting as a trusted advisor who brings insight, strategic guidance and HR best practice to the table.

Supporting managers with recruitment and interview techniques you’ll help ensure we attract and develop the very best talent. You’ll also contribute to updating and refining our policies and procedures to support a high-performing, people-focused culture.

This position will provide high-quality HR support alongside learning and development guidance to staff and stakeholders, ensuring smooth, efficient, and effective HR operations. The role reports directly to the HR People and Organisational Manager.

We are looking for a candidate with a strong track record in HR and training advisory roles, demonstrating proactivity, excellent organisational skills, and a commitment to getting the fundamentals right first time. You will play a vital role in ensuring our colleagues are engaged, well supported, and fully equipped with the training they need to help us achieve our organisational goals.

You will provide support to the HR People and Organisational Manager and the Management Team for managing around 300 staff across Tram Operations Limited (TOL) and First London Cableway (FLC), overseeing various organisational priorities.

Typical Responsibilities - include but are not limited to:

• Provide professional HR advice and support to the business, ensuring full understanding and application of all local HR policies and FirstGroup HR procedures.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employment lifecycle documentation, including contracts, development reviews, position details, and job descriptions.
• Ensure effective recruitment and selection strategies to ensure vacancies are filled promptly and appropriately.
• Work closely with the FirstGroup recruitment team to support and develop recruitment campaigns, including coordinating the appointment process for successful candidates.
• Ensure all new starter, mover, and leaver processes are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Oversee the completion of all pre-employment checks—such as DBS, medicals, and references—ensuring they are carried out thoroughly and followed up efficiently.
• Identify, plan, create, and deliver training across both businesses in line with colleague development needs.
• Support the People & Organisational Manager across a range of employee relations matters, including absence management, investigations, disciplinary processes, resolutions, and Employment Tribunal cases.
• Oversee compliance with Trade Union regulations, ensuring appropriate processes and engagement are maintained.
• Use HR information systems to access, update, and compile data, ensuring accuracy and data integrity.
• Monitor compliance reports and mandatory training completion, ensuring follow-up actions are taken as required.

You will also contribute to the delivery of key projects, including:

• Employee surveys and subsequent action planning.
• Implementation of the new HRIS (Workday).
• Review, refresh, and update of HR policies and procedures.

Interpersonal skills are critical for this role, as you will work with colleagues at all levels across the organisation. Strong HR knowledge, confident communication, and the ability to influence and engage others are essential. This is a people-focused role where sound judgement, professional credibility, and practical problem-solving are key.

Essential qualities and skills:

• CIPD qualified (or working towards).
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Proven experience as an HR & Training Advisor.
• Solid understanding of UK employment legislation.
• Ability to advise, influence, and support senior stakeholders.
• Competent user of HR systems and wider IT applications.
• Personable, with excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to design and implement clear, fair HR policies.
• Proactive, driven, and solutions-focused with a positive “can-do” approach.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent time-management skills and ability to deliver against tight deadlines.
• Minimum 3 years’ HR experience.
• Experience in training, learning and development, and change management.
• Strong facilitation and delivery skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will enjoy a competitive salary and comprehensive ongoing training; your benefits will include a free TfL oyster pass for you and your partner, 75% off leisure travel for your family on rail services, pensions and much more.