At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive HR strategy and support business performance through people management.
- Company: Join Network Rail High Speed Ltd, a leader in the rail industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and travel subsidies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people management in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong HR experience, excellent communication skills, and CIPD qualified.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and a supportive, inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 55596 - 65966 £ per year.
Overview
Senior HR Business Partner – 6 month opportunity in Network Rail High Speed Ltd. based in London, with travel to other office/site locations along the High Speed line as required.
Role
You will work as an integral member of the supported business senior leadership team. You will proactively identify, plan and meet the people needs of the business to improve performance.
Key accountabilities
- Work closely with the supported business area/s to develop, drive and implement the HR Strategy/People Plan to include talent, succession planning and change management, to support delivery of business objectives and drive a high performance culture.
- Act as an integral member of the business leadership team; build relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders. Coach, advise and co-develop, design and execute integrated medium to long term people initiatives to meet current and future business needs.
- Act as a change agent; lead, support and contribute to change programmes, driving and championing the implementation of HR solutions within the business area, gaining acceptance from key stakeholders.
- Proactively manage trade union relationships, working with the Employee Relations team and HR Business Partners across the business.
- Reinforce ownership of people management by the business, line managers and the HRBP model.
- Influence strategy and policy development by sharing business requirements and inputting into planning.
- Collaborate with Centres of Expertise, HR Shared Services, HR Direct and HRBP teams to identify and influence changes that improve HR service.
- Liaise with HR Business Partners in other areas to work on cross-business or cross-geographical issues.
Essential qualifications and experience
- Demonstrates a strong business/commercial understanding of business needs.
- Proven experience partnering with senior business leaders to improve people management.
- Passionate about customer service with a track record of delivering through business outcomes.
- Knowledge and experience of implementing best-practice HR solutions to drive a high performance culture.
- Ability to establish professional credibility quickly.
- Experience coaching, influencing and building strong relationships with senior leaders.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills at all levels.
- Experience identifying, developing and retaining talent with senior leaders.
- Excellent technical HR knowledge – CIPD qualified or equivalent experience.
- Proven track record in a complex working environment.
- Broad experience managing organisation change programmes (e.g., TUPE, organisational redesign, redundancy).
- Graduate calibre; experience in a highly unionised environment is essential for roles supporting maintenance and operations.
Desirable
- MCIPD or post-graduate HR qualification.
- Understanding of project management principles and experience managing complex projects to successful conclusions.
How to apply and role details
The role is based at One Stratford Place, with frequent travel to other office/site locations along the High Speed line.
What we offer
- Salary: £55,596 – £65,966 (plus inner London allowance £3,270)
- Fixed term for six months with potential to extend or become permanent.
- Generous benefits: annual leave, pension, travel subsidies, leisure discounts, travel loan, flexible/hybrid working, and more.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion, flexible working, and a supportive environment. All offers are conditional upon satisfactory pre-employment checks.
Closing date
Closing date was 21 October 2025. Applications after this date may not be considered. For informal discussion about the role, please contact Sarah Rose at sarah.rose@networkrail.com.
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Senior Human Resources Business Partner employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Human Resources Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network and connect with people in the industry! Attend HR events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their HR strategies and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It shows professionalism and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Senior HR Business Partner role. We want to see your application directly, and it helps us keep track of all candidates efficiently!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Human Resources Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior HR Business Partner role. Highlight your experience in partnering with senior leaders and driving HR strategies that align with business objectives. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills match the job description. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve people management and drive a high-performance culture. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your HR knowledge, especially around best practices in talent management and change programmes. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to drive a high-performance culture.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves working closely with senior leaders, practice how you'll establish rapport quickly. Think of ways to showcase your relationship-building skills during the interview, perhaps by sharing stories of how you've successfully influenced stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with organisational change, particularly in complex environments. Have a few solid examples ready that highlight your role as a change agent and how you’ve navigated challenges while gaining acceptance from key stakeholders.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the company’s HR strategy and people initiatives. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your values and career goals.