Head of HR [30845]

Head of HR [30845]

Birmingham Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead HR strategy and support a diverse workforce at West Midlands Trains.
  • Company: Join the UK's leading train service provider, delivering 1,300 journeys daily.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free travel, retail discounts, and career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on employee wellbeing and organizational success in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: CIPD qualified with HR experience, strong leadership, and project management skills required.
  • Other info: Inclusive employer welcoming applications from all backgrounds; apply early to secure your chance!

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK’s leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

As part of the Transport UK Group, West Midlands Trains delivers around 1,300 train journeys a day for more than 60 million passengers a year across our two brands – West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway.

We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable train service by investing in our fleet of trains, stations, and employees. As part of this investment, we are looking to recruit a Head of HR to work on a full-time, permanent basis based in Birmingham.

What does the job involve?

  • Provide strategic leadership, direction, and professional advice to deliver people-related workstreams and HR activity, supporting the HR Director in determining and implementing HR interventions to support the delivery of HR and business strategy.
  • Define the Resourcing Strategy to ensure the right people are in place at the right time, leading to the selection and appointment of a more diverse workforce, ensuring committed targets are met while utilising opportunities to improve processes.
  • Define the Organisational Design & Reward Strategy, including pay and grading principles, pensions, and bonus schemes, to ensure principles and decisions are applied fairly and consistently according to contribution to the organisation. Ensure organisation charts are current with an accurate understanding of staffing levels and headcount movement to maintain control of staffing costs.
  • Lead and develop the HR Services team to provide proactive support and guidance and deliver comprehensive transactional and HR administrative services in all aspects of the employee lifecycle, Reward, Benefits, Occupational Health & Wellbeing.
  • Lead and develop the Health and Wellbeing plan to create a healthier workforce that has regard for their own lifestyle, fitness, and well-being, positively impacting attendance and improving productivity and safety at work.

What skills and experience do I need to do the job?

  • Degree in relevant discipline and CIPD qualified with professional membership.
  • Good knowledge of HR, payroll, and recruitment systems.
  • Knowledge and understanding of employment law and industrial relations law.
  • Exposure to a highly unionised and complex environment.
  • Proven experience of developing and leading a high performing team with the ability to take a commercial approach to HR.
  • Experience in project management with a proven track record of delivering on objectives.
  • Demonstrable experience of developing and successfully executing Human Resource Strategy.
  • Ability to work calmly under pressure and within a small dynamic team.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, with excellent interpersonal and networking skills.
  • Ability to manage a complex workload and work to tight deadlines.
  • Experience of contract management of external suppliers ensuring they deliver their key result areas and commitments.

What are the salary and benefits?

  • Competitive dependant on experience.
  • Defined Benefit pension – one of the best in the UK.
  • Free travel on all our trains and those of other train companies within our parent group company – for you, your partner, and any dependent children.
  • 75% off all other train company travel tickets.
  • Retail discounts.
  • Career development opportunities.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, the advert may close earlier than the published closing date. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure no one receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race/ethnicity, religion, belief, and sexual orientation.

Applications will be considered from colleagues with 6 months experience after completion of their probationary period and a full check of absence and disciplinary records.

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Head of HR [30845] employer: Greater Anglia

At West Midlands Trains, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Located in Birmingham, our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our comprehensive health and wellness programs, competitive benefits including a defined benefit pension, and opportunities for career development. Join us in delivering safe and reliable train services while enjoying free travel for you and your family, making every day at work both meaningful and rewarding.
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Contact Detail:

Greater Anglia Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of HR [30845]

✨Tip Number 1

Make sure to highlight your strategic leadership experience in HR during the interview. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully implemented HR strategies in previous roles, especially in complex environments.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarize yourself with the current trends in employee wellbeing and health initiatives. Be ready to discuss innovative ideas you could bring to the Health and Wellbeing plan at West Midlands Trains.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with professionals in the transport sector or those who have worked in similar roles. This can provide you with insights into the challenges and expectations of the Head of HR position.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the company culture at West Midlands Trains and be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs. Showing that you understand their commitment to diversity and inclusion will set you apart.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR [30845]

Strategic Leadership
HR Strategy Development
Organisational Design
Resourcing Strategy
Employment Law Knowledge
Industrial Relations Understanding
Team Development
Project Management
Interpersonal Skills
Networking Skills
Contract Management
Workload Management
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Health and Wellbeing Planning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of HR position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience in HR leadership, project management, and team development. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver on HR strategies and manage complex workloads.

Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to clearly state your degree and CIPD qualifications. Mention any additional certifications or training that are relevant to the role, as this will strengthen your application.

Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a personalized cover letter that addresses the specific needs of West Midlands Trains. Discuss how your background aligns with their commitment to diversity and employee well-being, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to their HR strategy.

How to prepare for a job interview at Greater Anglia

✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision

As a Head of HR, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to provide strategic leadership. Prepare examples of how you've successfully implemented HR strategies in the past and how they aligned with business goals.

✨Highlight Your Experience with Diversity

Given the emphasis on building a diverse workforce, be ready to discuss your experience in defining resourcing strategies that promote diversity. Share specific initiatives you've led or contributed to that resulted in a more inclusive hiring process.

✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Employment Law

Familiarize yourself with current employment and industrial relations laws, especially in a unionized environment. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated complex legal situations in previous roles.

✨Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect questions about your leadership style and how you manage high-performing teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and provide clear examples of your management successes.

Head of HR [30845]
Greater Anglia
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  • Head of HR [30845]

    Birmingham
    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-03-11

  • G

    Greater Anglia

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