At a Glance
- Tasks: Support managers with employee relations and provide expert guidance on HR matters.
- Company: Join Northern, a leading train operator connecting communities across the North.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension, and tailored training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to creating a welcoming environment.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on colleagues while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: CIPD membership or Level 5 qualification, plus HR experience.
The predicted salary is between 28350 - 34650 £ per year.
ROLE TYPE: Permanent
LOCATION: Leeds or Newcastle
HOURS: 30 per week (4 days)
Behind every great customer journey is a great colleague experience. As part of our People team at Northern, you'd be at the heart of helping managers support their teams. With a focus on Employee Relations cases, you'll be there with practical advice, expert guidance and a calm head when it matters most. This is a role where no two days are the same. You'll work with managers from across the business, building trusted relationships and helping them make fair, confident decisions that support both our people and our railway. If you are fair and resilient, enjoy solving problems, coaching others and making a positive difference, you'll find plenty of opportunity here.
What You'll Be Doing
- You'll be the first point of contact for managers looking for advice on Employee Relations matters, helping them navigate everything from attendance and performance to grievance casework.
- Providing practical advice and guidance on people policies and procedures.
- Supporting managers with employee relations cases, investigations, hearings and absence management.
- Coaching managers to build confidence in managing people fairly and consistently.
- Monitoring case progress to make sure actions are completed and timescales are met.
- Identifying when complex cases need to be escalated and working closely with Senior People Advisors to ensure the right support is provided.
- Building strong relationships with managers, Trade Union representatives and colleagues across the wider People team.
- Using data and management information to identify trends and support improvements.
- Keeping up to date with employment law and sharing best practice with colleagues.
About You
Great people advice starts with great communication. You'll know how to build trust, ask the right questions and provide clear, practical guidance that helps managers make the right decisions. You'll bring:
- An Associate Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) membership, or be working towards a Level 5 qualification.
- Experience in a generalist HR or People Advisory role.
- A good understanding of employment law and employee relations.
- Experience supporting managers in a unionised or operational environment.
- The confidence to coach, influence and challenge when needed.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills and a genuine passion for supporting people.
If you've gained your HR experience in another large, fast-paced organisation, we'd still love to hear from you.
What's in it for you?
At Northern, we don't just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here's a taste of what you can look forward to:
- Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
- Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
- Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
- Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plugin hybrid car.
- Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
- Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you're in.
- Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That's why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.
Why Northern?
We're more than just a train operator. We're the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,650 trains running daily, we're on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment. Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We've recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.
A place for everyone
The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board. At Northern, we don't just move people from A to B - we're building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that's something you need. We're also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we'll always offer an interview. We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment. No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there's a place for you here in the railway.
People Advisor (Part -Time) in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Northern
Northern is an excellent employer, offering a unique opportunity for Night Train Cleaners in Manchester to enjoy unlimited free travel and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth. With tailored training programmes and a generous pension scheme, we foster an environment where every team member can thrive and develop their skills while contributing to the cleanliness and readiness of our trains.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Advisor (Part -Time) in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨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 Northern!
✨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 Northern.
We think you need these skills to ace People Advisor (Part -Time) in Newcastle upon Tyne
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 Northern. 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 Northern 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 Northern. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Northern'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 Northern
✨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 Northern.
✨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 Northern 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 Northern and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
