At a Glance
- Tasks: Support business leaders with HR strategies and enhance people management.
- Company: Join Network Rail, a vital service connecting millions across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous travel discounts, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Part-time role with potential for extension; hybrid working available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a diverse team while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR and strong relationship-building skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 43588 - 53167 £ per year.
At Network Rail, we're part of a large family serving millions of passengers and freight users throughout the UK every day. Our service impacts millions of people and we strive to become more efficient as we enhance, maintain and operate our network. Now is a fantastic time to join our team in Wales and Western region as we finalise the reforms to our maintenance organisation which will deliver:
- A safer and more reliable and punctual service for passengers and employees - quicker fault fixes by more agile multi-disciplined response teams.
- Individual rostering - enabling us to send the right number of people to fix a fault.
- Multi-skilling - investing in the knowledge and skills of our people so they are better equipped to fix the most common faults themselves.
- Accelerated and improved technology deployment - we have a raft of labour and life-saving technology ready to be rolled out.
Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We're an organisation where people matter. When you're part of our team, you matter to us and you matter to millions.
About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We look for opportunities to offer great opportunities to learn and grow through personal and professional development. And, if you make the grade then you can look forward to a rewarding and fulfilling career with a company that joined the top 50 in Glassdoor's 2021 Best Places to Work.
You will work with the supported business leadership team, under the direction of the Senior HR Business Partner to deliver the business aligned People Plan/HR strategy and provide coaching and support to members of the supported leadership team.
Your Main Responsibilities will be to:
- Work closely with the supported business, to implement and deliver the HR Strategy/People Plan to include talent, succession planning and change management, in order to support the delivery of business objectives and drive a high performance culture.
- Work closely and build strong relationships with members of the supported business senior leadership team and other relevant stakeholders. Coach, advise and challenge, where appropriate, business leaders on short and medium term HR issues as required.
- Provide operational HR support on (for example) organisation change, senior appointments, salary and bonus, graduate or apprentice programmes.
- Successfully deliver client responsive, cost effective and integrated people solutions that address key business objectives, gaining acceptance from key stakeholders.
- Reinforce the ownership of people management by the business and line managers and support the HR delivery model.
- Work with the broader HR function, including Centres of expertise, HR Direct and HR shared services teams to provide the best solutions for the business.
- Work with appropriate Union representatives to support the business in delivering business solutions.
- Liaise with HR Business Partners in other areas of the business in order to work collaboratively on cross business/geographical issues.
Pay and Rewards
Salary: This role is a band 4C, £43,588 - £53,167 per annum (pro rated). This role is part time - 3 days/21 hours a week. Hybrid working is available for this role.
As a Network Rail employee, you will enjoy a wide range of benefits!
- Privileged staff travel - Leisure travel discount of 75% on all leisure travel and includes family members.
- A subsidy of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets if you travel to work on the train.
- GWR ticket alliance, heavily discounted all day passes for you and up to 3 friends and family to use across the GWR network (48 passes per year).
- Benefits package including healthcare offers, a cycle to work scheme, discounted healthcare club membership, and discounted offers and benefits including childcare, healthcare and online shopping site.
- A range of Pension schemes to choose from.
- Effectively manage work-life balance with hybrid working, flexible working, flexible leave, and enhanced family friendly support.
- 2 weeks paid reserve leave for the Armed Forces community.
- In Wales and Western region, you will have the opportunity to join PROUD, our reward and recognition scheme where you can say thanks and recognise colleagues across the region who have demonstrated outstanding values and behaviours.
More about the role and your application
Our diverse and inclusive place to work where our people are developed and feel valued.
The application and selection process specific to this role, and support available during your application.
This is a 12 month fixed term opportunity and has the potential for extension/to become permanent. The successful candidate can be based in Cardiff, Newport or Baglan, with an expectation of time being spent in the Cardiff office on a weekly basis.
Closing date: 17th September 2026. Late applications will not be accepted. This role requires working in the office for at least 60% of the working week.
We want to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity. Therefore, should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please do let us know by contacting the Recruitment team.
Your experience and skills
You will ideally have:
- Demonstrates strong business/commercial approach and understanding of business needs.
- Proven experience of working in partnership and building strong working relationships with senior managers in order to improve people management.
- Passionate about customer service with ability to articulate previous achievements through business deliverables.
- Knowledge and experience of implementing best practice HR solutions to drive a high performance culture.
- Experience of coaching and influencing senior managers.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to negotiate and influence effectively with all levels of an organisation.
- Understands how to work with the business to identify, develop and retain talent.
- Excellent technical HR Knowledge - CIPD qualified or relevant experience to demonstrate level of competence.
- Proven track record of operating in a complex working environment.
- Graduate calibre.
Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety within your application.
What could set you apart:
- Understanding of project management principles and experience of managing complex projects to successful conclusion.
- Experience of managing projects to successful conclusion.
- Experience of working within a unionised environment.
Key Leadership Capabilities:
- Influencing others
- Creating solutions
- Understanding others
- Making things happen
- Thinking flexibly
Not sure if you meet all the requirements? Let us decide. Some of these criteria may be learnt in role. Therefore, if you do not meet all the criteria, please submit your application. We will screen your application against these criteria to assess the best match.
Key Information:
- Number of Positions: 1
- Contract Type: Fixed-Term
- Hours: Part Time
- Location: Cardiff St Patrick's House, Cardiff
- Geographical Area:
- Closing Date: 17-SEP-2026
- Job Category: HR and Legal
- Function: Organisation: EI Wales Route HR Capital Delivery (109017)
Human Resources Business Partner - 12 month FTC (Part Time, 3 days/21 hours a week) in Cardiff employer: NETWORK RAIL
Network Rail is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while contributing to vital infrastructure projects in the UK. The supportive culture and commitment to maintaining accurate data ensure that your role as a Data & SharePoint Support Specialist is both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Business Partner - 12 month FTC (Part Time, 3 days/21 hours a week) in Cardiff
✨Get Involved in Local HR Events
Check out local HR networking events or workshops in your area. These are great opportunities to meet industry professionals, learn about the latest trends in human resources, and potentially get leads on part-time roles like the one at NETWORK RAIL.
✨Join HR Communities Online
Platforms like SHRM Connect or HR-specific LinkedIn groups are gold mines for job leads and industry discussions. Engaging in conversations can put your name out there and might just catch the eye of someone from NETWORK RAIL looking for a part-time star!
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're studying or have recently graduated, don’t forget about your university's career services. They often have contacts in the HR world that can help you score a part-time gig, plus you can access exclusive job boards!
✨Direct Applications Through Our Website
When you find the part-time role you're excited about, apply directly through our website. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps us streamline the hiring process. Make your application stand out with a tailored approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Business Partner - 12 month FTC (Part Time, 3 days/21 hours a week) in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your People Skills:In human resources, it’s all about connecting with people. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience in recruitment, employee relations, or conflict resolution. If you’ve got any certifications in HR or related fields, don’t forget to flaunt them!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Shine Bright:When applying for a part-time HR role at NETWORK RAIL, your cover letter should reflect your motivation and enthusiasm for the position. Discuss your passion for people management and how you can contribute to their team, even on a part-time basis.
Demonstrate Flexibility and Availability:Since it's a part-time role, be clear in your application about your availability. HR often requires a balance of flexibility and commitment, so outline any existing commitments and how you plan to manage your time effectively.
Include Real-Life Examples:When describing your experience, use specific examples that illustrate your competency in HR tasks. Whether it’s handling employee onboarding or managing records, these anecdotes can make your application stand out to NETWORK RAIL.
How to prepare for a job interview at NETWORK RAIL
✨Know Your HR Basics Inside Out
As we're diving into a part-time HR role, let’s brush up on key HR concepts like recruitment processes, employment law, and employee engagement strategies. Prepare to explain how you've handled various HR scenarios in the past or how you'd approach them in the future – this shows you can hit the ground running!
✨Get Creative with Your HR Portfolio
Bring along a portfolio showcasing your HR projects, like recruitment plans or engagement activities you've designed. This isn't just for show; it helps us illustrate our hands-on experience and creativity, making us stand out to NETWORK RAIL. Plus, it’s a tangible way to discuss our achievements!
✨Brush Up on Behavioural Interview Techniques
Expect a mix of traditional and behavioural interview questions. Prepare STAR answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result) on how you've resolved conflicts or improved team dynamics. Since HR is all about people, our ability to communicate effectively will be under the spotlight.
✨Show Flexibility and Enthusiasm
In a part-time HR role, demonstrating a flexible approach to working hours and responsibilities can make us more appealing to NETWORK RAIL. Expressing our eagerness to learn and contribute to the team will demonstrate that we're not just filling a position, but genuinely excited to be part of their journey!
