Northern
People Advisor
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BUSINESS FUNCTION: People
SALARY: £39,052 - £40,340 / Grade: ML1:SB2
ROLE TYPE: Permanent
LOCATION: Leeds or Newcastle
HOURS: 37 per week
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.
Your day could include:
- 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
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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 organizational 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 plug-in 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.
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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.
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