Job description
South Western Railway is committed to equal opportunities employment, and your application will be reviewed by the hiring panel with personal information removed. In order to assist this process please ensure that any attachments such as CV's or covering letter have personal details removed. Any other attachments such as professional qualifications can be left unedited. Applications not following this guidance may be rejected.
Who you are
You're looking to build a career in HR and looking for a role that gives you opportunity to develop whilst in role.
You're passionate about Employee Relations & Human Resources. You have strong attention to detail and enjoy designing and presenting effective communications. You enjoy working as part of a team along with the ability to work independently, whilst making sound business decisions. You will have a flair for analysing data. You're confident presenting your ideas to others using your first-class communication skills.
This role is designed to develop those who are in the early stages of their HR career. Through on the job development and support, and through being given the opportunity to build a network of contacts, this role will provide an entry level stepping stone to fast progression within the HR function for the right candidate. As your development builds you will grow into delivering the full role as follows.
Main Purpose
The ability to work alongside all functions within South Western Railway will be essential to the success of this role. Our work affects the whole organisation, meaning you'll be partnering with colleagues across all our business functions; this could include Operations, Engineering, Customer Experience, Major Projects, Finance and Procurement. You will need to be adaptable to business requirements whilst being resilient in providing effective people solutions
Principal Accountabilities
- You will work collaboratively on all people issues, building strong relationships with Managers and Trade Union Representatives.
- Develop effective people solutions; Provide advice and guidance and supporting the management teams to deliver a fair and consistent application of all people policies and procedures
- Support Managers by advising in matters involving local Trade Union Representatives and local collective issues.
- Support and contribute to the development and delivery of ER strategy to ensure accuracy and compliance with UK employment law and any other relevant legislation.
- Prepare and deliver internal presentations and reports.
- Develop and maintain working relationships with SWR Managers, HR Colleagues, Trade Union Representatives and Colleagues.
- Liaise with HR specialist functions to provide a quick and seamless approach to training, recruitment, talent and succession, employee wellbeing and change management.
- Provide a proactive HR service to your relevant business area by acting as the subject matter expert on all Employee Relation cases, such as disciplines, grievances, AWOL, ill health and redeployments.
- Work with HR Colleagues to support the coordination and administration of ER programmes in a timely, accurate and consistent manner to help ensure that all Colleagues are engaged in delivering SWR's business objectives.
- Assist in the management of the employment tribunal cases in liaison with solicitors and the Head of HR Services.
Minimum Requirement:
- Educated to degree level having achieved a minimum of a 2:1. Degree can be for any subject or equivalent relevant practical work experience in the Railway Industry.
- Strong ability to be able to influence, highlight and suggest recommendations to managers at all levels whilst maintaining an impartial professional viewpoint.
- Experience in a customer service environment desirable.
- A sound knowledge of employment legislation and ACAS best practice.
- Experience of working as part of a team along with the ability to work independently, whilst making sound business decisions.
- Ability to communicate clearly in writing and orally.
- Experience of managing/leading others.
- Knows how to gather data from a variety of sources, to inform credible conclusions with the use of presentations.
- Highly effective written and presentation skills at all levels.
Where you'll be based
- Southampton – Overline House
Shift Pattern:
Minimum of 37 hours per week.
Office hours, Monday – Friday.
Requirement to travel across the SWR network for training/work.
Willingness to work shifts.
In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits including free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employee, free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependant), 75% discount on many other train operating companies, a range of retail benefits and an excellent pension scheme.
During your time you will have the opportunity to work towards a level 5 Apprenticeship as HR Consultant Partner. You will have the option to undertake an HR specialism from the CIPD.
Applicants who require a visa, must have at least 6 months remaining at the time of their appointment.
At SWR we believe our people are our greatest asset.
Our vision is to recruit and retain the best talent from the most diverse pool of candidates across our regions.
We are committed to establishing a sense of inclusion for all and to value each person for the unique contribution they bring.