Human Resources Business Partner Support

The role supports HR Business Partners across Network Rail’s North West & Central Region, turning people strategy into action to strengthen the workforce, enhance performance and support regional teams.

About the Role

As an HR Business Partner Support, you will gain strategic HR experience in a fast‑moving organisation and have the opportunity to work closely with HR Business Partners to deliver initiatives that improve the business.

Responsibilities

• Support HR Business Partners with talent management, succession planning and performance planning.
• Provide project‑management support – tracking progress, reporting outcomes and communicating updates.
• Assist with organisational change programmes and help deliver these effectively across teams.
• Conduct research, analysis and reporting to inform key HR initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve how HR supports the business.
• Maintain up‑to‑date professional HR knowledge.
• Take ownership of deliverables and provide ad‑hoc HR and administrative support as needed.

Requirements

• Strong customer service skills.
• Experience working within a large, complex and fast‑moving organisation.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail and good time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Resilient, adaptable and flexible.
• IT literate – strong Excel, Word and PowerPoint knowledge.
• Experience of event coordination and facilitation.
• Research and analytical skills.
• Strong relationship‑building skills.
• Experience of supporting the delivery of HR initiatives and projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• CIPD qualification or relevant HR support experience.
• Degree‑level education (or equivalent experience).

Contract & Salary

• Two contracting opportunities: 1 x 9‑month fixed‑term contract and 1 x 6‑month fixed‑term contract.
• Salary: £27,000 – £32,000 (Band 5, depending on experience).
• 35 hours per week, hybrid working (3 days in office).
• Location: Milton Keynes, GB.

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave (pro‑rata).
• Flexible working options available.
• Hybrid working where possible and family‑friendly support.
• Access to employee assistance programme (free and confidential health and wellbeing support).
• Health and wellbeing offers, discounted cycle hire and online shopping sites.

How to Apply

• Closing date: Wednesday 19 November 2025.
• Assessments on Tuesday 25 November 2025 in Milton Keynes; highest‑scoring candidates invited to a 30‑minute second‑stage interview on Thursday 27 November 2025.
• Anticipated start date: first week of January 2026.
• Applicants should live within 75/90 minutes of The Quadrant in Milton Keynes.
• Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader employer and will provide reasonable adjustments as required.

Travel

Occasional travel across NW&C (client sites, regional offices and other business locations) is required.

Network Rail Diversity Statement

Network Rail is committed to an inclusive, supportive environment. We encourage all candidates, including those from diverse backgrounds and with disabilities, to apply.