Are you an HR expert who loves balancing strategic thinking with hands on operational impact?
We are seeking a confident and capable Strategic HR Business Partner to join our team and play a key role in supporting our people agenda across a diverse operational network.
About the Role
As an HR Business Partner, you will:
* Build strong, effective relationships with senior leaders, operational managers, colleagues, and trade union representatives
* Provide clear, pragmatic advice on a full range of employment matters, highlighting risks and guiding managers towards sound, compliant decisions
* Work closely with our HR Services team and subject matter experts to deliver a consistent, high quality HR service
* Support the implementation and embedding of organisational and industry-wide changes, working collaboratively with trade unions
* Maintain a strong presence across our stations, depots, and offices, ensuring HR remains visible, accessible, and aligned to the needs of the business
* Contribute directly to the delivery of key business objectives through proactive workforce planning, engagement, and problem-solving
Please see the role profile for more information.
This role requires regular travel across our network and a commitment to being in the workplace for the majority of the working week. One day per week you will be required to work from our Head office located in Birmingham.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
* Has experience in a customer-focused, operational, and ideally unionised environment
* Is a well-rounded HR generalist with strong employment law knowledge
* Can confidently challenge, influence, and coach senior managers
* Is highly organised, resilient, and able to adapt to changing priorities
* Builds trust quickly and acts as a reliable, professional advisor at all levels
Qualifications
* Degree-level education or CIPD Level 7 qualification (preferred)
Benefits include:
* Final salary pension
* Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you/spouse/partner/dependents
* Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators fares for leisure travel)
* 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays)
* 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operator
#J-18808-Ljbffr