CL Business Partner - Sussex (109007) G5
About Network Rail
Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter
At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
Do you want to shape the future of our workforce and create opportunities that genuinely change lives? Are you a strategic HR professional who thrives on building partnerships, driving change, and delivering high-profile people initiatives?
We’re looking for an exceptional HR Project Manager – Early Engagement to lead Southern Regions transformative programmes that strengthen our early talent pipelines and support our ambition to build a more inclusive, representative and future-ready organisation.
This is a standout opportunity to influence Southern Region’s senior leaders, deliver innovative early engagement projects, and play a pivotal role in developing the next generation of talent across our business.
Lead and deliver Regional early engagement programmes —including careers outreach, early talent pipelines, school/college partnerships and community engagement activity—to attract future talent into the organisation.
Design and deliver HR and change programmes using the right tools, methodologies and frameworks to support business needs.
Train, coach and upskill managers in change and project management techniques, building capability across the organisation.
Partner with project sponsors and act as a core member of project teams, providing expert HR insight and guidance.
Develop and lead business change plans, ensuring initiatives embed effectively and deliver measurable impact.
Build strong internal networks to identify upcoming needs early and shape projects from feasibility through to delivery.
Serve as a subject matter expert across HR disciplines—particularly early talent, resourcing, people management and organisational change.
Ensure all HR projects are delivered in line with our People Strategy, policy requirements and best practice.
Support the delivery of targeted EDI interventions within early engagement, helping us reach underrepresented groups and strengthen diversity in our future talent pipeline.
Successful project and / or change management experience within an HR environment
Demonstrable knowledge of project and programme management methodologies
Successful employee and industrial relations experience
Expert knowledge in one (or more) of the following HR disciplines: People Management, Talent Management, Recruitment & Resourcing, Redeployment, HR Systems and Technology implementations
Knowledge of relevant HR legislation related to one of the above specialist disciplines
Proven influencing, negotiation and relationship building/partnering skills (with both internal customers and external suppliers)
Proven commercial and business management skills with good data analysis and reporting skills
Experience in developing and influencing HR strategy
People management experience
Salary : Band 3B (£46,701- £55,411) plus Inner London Allowance £3,270.
The position is is offered on a 1-year fixed-term basis. This role has the potential to be extended or made permanent. This role requires working from the office three days a week.
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All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced.
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