At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape Employee Relations and support colleagues across the organisation.
- Company: Join Railpen, a leader in pension management with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role in a supportive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experiences and drive positive change.
- Qualifications: CIPD qualified or working towards it, with significant Employee Relations experience.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Help shape the future of Employee Relations at Railpen. As we evolve our People function to support Railpen's future ambitions, we're looking for an experienced People Business Partner to join our newly formed People Business Partnering team. Based in either Darlington or London and offered on a permanent, hybrid basis, this is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping how we support colleagues and leaders across the organisation. You'll bring deep Employee Relations expertise, helping us navigate complex people challenges, strengthen our people practices and create positive outcomes for colleagues and the business alike.
Railpen is responsible for the safekeeping and investment of around £36 billion in assets and the administration of several pension schemes, including the Railways Pension Scheme, one of the UK's largest and longest established pension funds. Our heritage of looking after the pension needs of the rail industry and its employees gives us our name and our unique outlook on how we serve our members. Railpen takes a holistic view, focusing on how we serve members today and how we can positively impact the communities and the world they will retire into.
This role will particularly suit experienced Employee Relations professionals looking to broaden their organisational impact beyond case management and play a key role in shaping people policy, practice and culture. Whilst titled People Business Partner, this role has a strong Employee Relations focus and sits at the heart of complex people matters within a highly regulated environment. You'll act as a trusted adviser to leaders and managers, providing expert guidance on Employee Relations issues and helping the business manage risk, navigate change and make informed people decisions. Alongside handling complex and sensitive cases, you'll use your experience to identify trends, influence policy and support the organisation in taking a proactive approach to people challenges.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing complex Employee Relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, performance, absence and workplace conflict matters.
- Providing expert advice and coaching to managers on employment law, policy and best practice.
- Supporting investigations and recommending fair, balanced and pragmatic outcomes.
- Acting as an escalation point for Employee Relations queries across the business.
- Developing, reviewing and implementing People policies and procedures, ensuring they remain legally compliant, practical and aligned to Railpen's values.
- Working closely with leaders to identify emerging people risks and opportunities for improvement.
- Supporting organisational change activity and helping managers navigate complex colleague matters.
- Building strong relationships across the business, influencing positive people outcomes and driving consistency in decision-making.
- Working with trade unions and employee representatives where required.
- Using insight and data to identify trends and inform improvements to people practices.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
We're looking for a highly experienced Employee Relations professional who combines technical expertise with strong judgement, commercial awareness and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. You'll be comfortable operating in a complex, highly regulated environment, managing sensitive issues with confidence and building trusted relationships through your credible and pragmatic approach.
You will bring:
- CIPD qualified, or working towards a relevant CIPD qualification, essential.
- Significant Employee Relations experience, ideally gained over several years, with a proven track record of managing complex and sensitive ER matters.
- Experience working within a complex and highly regulated environment.
- In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and Employee Relations best practice.
- A proven track record of managing high-risk and complex cases from initial concern through to resolution.
- Experience developing, reviewing and implementing People policies and procedures.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to coach, challenge and influence managers effectively.
- Experience working with trade unions and employee representatives.
- Excellent written communication skills and the ability to produce clear, concise and legally robust documentation.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify trends, risks and opportunities from people data and case activity.
- A proactive and solutions-focused mindset, with the ability to anticipate issues and drive continuous improvement.
Our values of integrity, community and alignment are the guiding principles that influence our behaviour. They help us make decisions and shape our relationships with others. They’re what we stand for. You will actively demonstrate our values, helping to create a safe environment, to place the needs of the community above oneself and, through a culture of ‘fair challenge’, align to the best interests of our members.
What we can offer you:
Rewarding you:
- A competitive salary (depending on experience)
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Generous annual bonus plan
- We provide membership of the Railways Pension Scheme, a Defined Benefit arrangement under which you get a pension for life and a lump sum when you retire, based on your length of service and pay
- 4x Life Assurance cover
Health & Wellbeing:
- Private Medical Insurance
- Employee assistance programme
- Health cash plan
- Eye care vouchers
- Flu vaccination
Lifestyle:
- We support hybrid and flexible working along with very generous family leave including 12 months full pay maternity leave and 6 months full pay paternity leave
- Buy and sell holidays
- Give as you earn scheme
- Paid volunteering days
- Flexible half days leave
- Electric vehicle leasing
- Cycle to work scheme
Please apply via the apply button or visit Careers by 5pm on Tuesday 18th August 2026.
People Business Partner in London employer: Railpen
Railpen is an exceptional employer that values its employees by offering a dynamic work culture and a supportive environment for professional growth. With the opportunity to work closely with the CFO in a high-impact role, employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and flexible hybrid working options, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Business Partner in London
✨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 Railpen!
✨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 Railpen.
We think you need these skills to ace People Business Partner in London
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 Railpen. 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 Railpen 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 Railpen. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Railpen'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 Railpen
✨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 Railpen.
✨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 Railpen 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 Railpen and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
