Overview

Senior HR Business Partner – 6 month fixed term opportunity with Network Rail High Speed.

Role location and travel

The role is based at One Stratford Place, London. Frequent travel to other office and site locations along the High Speed line is expected.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the supported business area to develop, drive and implement the HR Strategy/People Plan (talent, succession planning and change management) to support delivery of business objectives and a high performance culture.
• Act as an integral member of the business leadership team; coach, advise and challenge thinking, and co-develop, design and execute integrated medium to long term people initiatives to meet current and future business needs.
• Lead and contribute to change programmes, champion HR solutions within the supported area, and gain acceptance from key stakeholders.
• Proactively manage trade union relationships in collaboration with the Employee Relations team and HR BP colleagues.
• Reinforce ownership of people management by the business and line managers and the HR Business Partner model.
• Influence strategy and policy development through inputting business/functional requirements and execution planning.
• Collaborate with Centres of Expertise, HR Shared Services, HR Direct and HR BPM teams to identify and implement changes that improve HR service.
• Liaise with HR BPs in other areas to address cross-business/geographical issues.

Essential qualifications

• Demonstrates strong business/commercial understanding and ability to align HR with business needs.
• Proven experience partnering with senior leaders to improve people management.
• Passionate about customer service with evidence of delivering business results.
• Knowledge and experience implementing best practice HR solutions to drive a high performance culture.
• Ability to establish professional credibility quickly.
• Experience coaching, influencing and building relationships with senior leaders.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to negotiate and influence at all levels.
• Experience identifying, developing and retaining talent with senior leaders.
• Strong HR knowledge; CIPD qualification or equivalent experience.
• Proven track record operating in a complex environment.
• Broad experience of managing organisation change programmes (e.g., TUPE, organisation redesign, redundancies).
• Graduate calibre; experience in a highly unionised environment is essential for roles supporting maintenance and operations functions.

Desirable qualifications

• MCIPD or postgraduate HR qualification.
• Understanding of project management and experience delivering complex projects.

What we offer

• Salary: £55,596 - £65,966 (plus inner London allowance £3,270).
• Generous annual leave (28 days + statutory), with option to buy/sell days.
• Defined benefit pension scheme and other benefits listed below.
• 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets; up to 75% off leisure travel; interest-free travel loan for season tickets; discounts at some stations with Network Rail pass.
• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements; volunteer leave; healthcare, GymPass discounts, cycle to work scheme, and more.
• Maternity, paternity and adoption leave.

How to apply and process

We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone. The role will require standard pre-employment checks and may involve a drugs and alcohol test where applicable. If you require reasonable adjustments, please indicate in your application. Closing date: 21 October 2025. Late applications will not be accepted; advert may close early depending on volume.

Contact

For further information or an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Sarah Rose – sarah.rose@networkrail.com