HR Business Partner bei East West Rail
East West Rail · Milton Keynes, Vereinigtes Königreich · Hybrid
- Professional
- Optionales Büro in Milton Keynes
A little bit about us:
East West Rail is an infrastructure programme linking communities between Oxford and Cambridge. The area is currently let down by a lack of transport choices, and we have a once in a generation opportunity to fix that – improving prosperity for people and places along the way.
East West Railway Company (that’s us) was created by the Department for Transport (DfT) to oversee the delivery of East West Rail from construction through to wheels in motion, making sure the railway comes together in the right way.
At East West Railway Company, we’re committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that we impact. Our approach is simple – to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications of all backgrounds and experiences.
Role Summary:
This is not your standard HR Business Partner role.
Are you a people-focused individual who loves both the operational and strategic sides of HR? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments, constantly seek ways to improve, enjoy tackling complex people challenges, and want to be a true generalist - rolling up your sleeves to support the team wherever needed?
East West Rail is an infrastructure programme linking communities between Oxford and Cambridge. The area is currently let down by a lack of transport choices, and we have a once in a generation opportunity to fix that – improving prosperity for people and places along the way.
East West Railway Company (that’s us) was created by the Department for Transport (DfT) to oversee the delivery of East West Rail from construction through to wheels in motion, making sure the railway comes together in the right way.
At East West Railway Company, we’re committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that we impact. Our approach is simple – to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications of all backgrounds and experiences.
Role Summary:
This is not your standard HR Business Partner role.
Are you a people-focused individual who loves both the operational and strategic sides of HR? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments, constantly seek ways to improve, enjoy tackling complex people challenges, and want to be a true generalist - rolling up your sleeves to support the team wherever needed?
Key Responsibilities
- Working closely with our Senior HR Business Partner, you’ll help drive a high-performing, inclusive culture. As part of a small but perfectly formed team, you’ll be a true team player with opportunities to both lead projects and provide hands-on support.
- Provide advice to line managers in talent management, performance, employee relationships and team engagement ensuring alignment and consistency in people processes
- Coach, support and challenge line managers to build confidence, capability, and accountability through effective education, tools, and guidance
- Partner with managers on workforce planning, talent development, and team performance
- Build line manager capability by equipping managers to lead with confidence and impac
- Support the full employee lifecycle, from onboarding and development to progression and offboarding
- Manage complex employee relations (ER) cases with confidence, offering expert guidance while proactively identifying and resolving issues before they escalate.
- Lead core people operations, including drafting and reviewing employee letters, updating HR systems, and supporting monthly payroll checks
- Continuously improve HR policies, processes, and practices to meet evolving business needs
- Proactively identify and address people risks before they escalate into issues
- Leverage people data and insights to inform decision-making and enhance the employee experience
- Lead and support key People Team projects and initiatives aligned with business goals
- Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across all levels of the organisation.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Proven HR experience at a generalist or business partner level, with a strong background in employee relations
- Thrives as a true HR generalist, with the flexibility to switch gears and jump in wherever neede
- Loves having a hand in everything - comfortable juggling a wide range of people topics, both big and small
- Able to influence and advise with both credibility and empathy
- Skilled in coaching and developing managers, helping them grow confidence and capability
- Continuous improvement mindset, always looking for smarter, more effective ways to do things
- Comfortable with ambiguity and change, and not afraid to roll up your sleeve
- Detail-oriented, with a hands-on approach to people operations
- Genuine passion for people, culture, and delivering high-impact HR
Benefits
What we offer:
- Competitive base salary
- Up to 12% employer’s pension contribution
- 36 days holiday a year (including bank holidays) + up to 2 days to buy
- Life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a range of benefits on the Perkbox platform
- On-the-spot and annual awards
- Advanced learning and development programmes
- Great work-life balance and flexible working opportunities
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- Exceptional IT tools
EWR Co strives to embrace a flexible working environment, where a degree of flexibility is maintained to accommodate both the needs and preferences of employees and what is required to achieve business objectives. EWR Co will always work with any individual to assess and accommodate an individual’s work life balance and style.
Diversity and Inclusion:
To discover the best solutions, it’s important we embrace diversity of thought. That’s why we aim to ensure our colleagues feel included, engaged and valued. Inclusiveness is not a buzzword, but a way of being. Our approach to diversity is simple – a workplace where everyone is welcome and everyone is encouraged to be themselves. It helps fuel our innovation and connects us with the customers and communities we serve.
We are open to secondments through the Rail Industry Talent Exchange Programme.
