Network Rail
Human Resources Business Partner [Employee Relations]
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Who We Are
At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. 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. Click here to learn more.
We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. 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.
About The Role
Help Shape Positive Employee Relations Across One of Britain's Largest Rail Networks
Are you an experienced Employee Relations professional who thrives on tackling complex challenges and influencing positive business outcomes?
We're looking for an Employee Relations HR Business Partner to join our Southern Region Employee Relations team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting leaders across the business, providing expert guidance on complex and high-risk employee relations matters while helping to build management capability.
Working closely with HR Business Partners and HR Direct, you'll be a trusted advisor to managers, helping them navigate challenging situations with confidence while ensuring consistency, fairness and compliance across the organisation.
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Your Experience And Skills
What You'll Be Doing
As an Employee Relations HR Business Partner, you'll provide expert advice, coaching and support to managers dealing with complex employee relations cases. You'll work collaboratively across the wider HR function to deliver practical, business-focused solutions that balance organisational needs with policy and employment legislation.
Key Responsibilities Include
- Managing and advising on complex and high-risk employee relations cases across a diverse business area.
- Coaching and supporting managers to build confidence and capability in handling people matters.
- Providing pragmatic, business-focused advice aligned to Network Rail policies and employment law.
- Developing and delivering targeted manager development and up-skilling initiatives.
- Building strong partnerships with HR Direct, HR Business Partners and business leaders to ensure a consistent HR service.
- Maintaining accurate case management records and tracking progress through HR systems.
- Sharing knowledge and best practice across the wider HR community.
- Keeping up to date with employment legislation and emerging HR trends.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking a resilient and relationship-focused HR professional who can quickly build credibility, influence stakeholders and confidently manage complex employee relations challenges.
You'll Bring
- Significant experience in Employee Relations role.
- Proven experience managing complex and high-risk employee relations cases, including cases progressing to Employment Tribunal stage.
- Strong knowledge of employment law and its practical application.
- Experience coaching, influencing and challenging managers and senior leaders.
- A track record of designing and delivering manager development, training or coaching interventions.
- Excellent analytical, organisational and prioritisation skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt your approach to different audiences.
- CIPD qualification, or equivalent experience demonstrating the required level of professional competence.
- Experience working in a unionised environment.
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It Would Be Great If You Also Have
- Experience supporting managers with the application of Network Rail policies and terms and conditions.
- Experience working across multiple Network Rail functions.
Why Join Network Rail?
At Network Rail, we're committed to creating a safe, reliable railway that serves millions of passengers every day. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and our HR teams play a vital role in helping the business succeed.
In return, you'll have the opportunity to work on meaningful and complex employee relations matters, collaborate with experienced HR professionals, and contribute to developing leadership capability across the Southern Region.
If you're passionate about employee relations and want to make a real impact in a high-profile organisation, we'd love to hear from you.
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