Overview
First Rail London (FRL) is the train operating company responsible for running the London Overground network under a concession agreement with Transport for London (TfL). The concession began in May 2026.
First Rail London is part of FirstGroup, one of the leading rail operators and one of the largest bus operators in the UK. FirstGroup operates services throughout the UK and Ireland, with over 30,000 employees providing services that make travel smoother and life easier. FirstGroup works hard to reduce its impact on the environment, introducing cleaner and more environmentally responsible methods of transport.
About the role
We are seeking an individual with experience in employee and industrial relations who is able to influence and implement business change. To help us deliver change we are seeking a flexible individual that can work with ARL departments and employees as a true business partner – gaining comprehensive understanding of business challenges and asserting influence through strong customer relationships. As the HR Business Partner, you will deliver improvements through people, building effective and sustainable employee relations and management capability.
You will be able to expertly balance the needs of the internal customer (e.g. Directors, Heads of department, line managers, employees) whilst considering business operations, consistency and fairness. You will manage any emerging employee relations and industrial relations risks, whilst maintaining collaborative union relationships at all levels.
In addition, you will be required to lead HR projects ensuring that any risks are identified, the project is managed effectively and a robust communication plan is in place as appropriate.
Responsibilities
Your main responsibilities will be:
- Business Partnership and ER
- Build and develop positive working relationships with key stakeholders contributing to the success of company operational goals.
- Attend and contribute to business unit meetings as agreed. Attend all necessary HR meetings.
- Act as a conduit between the business and HR to ensure alignment of strategic HR and operational goals.
- Facilitate and support business delivery through the provision of professional guidance and support relating to agreed people strategies to meet business objectives.
- Support the HR Advisor team with complex cases
- Manage ER where required – absence procedures, disciplinary and grievance processes. Support with appeals.
HR Change Agent – Transformation projects
- Lead and support on change initiatives. This could involve organisation restructuring, introduction of new technology and different working practices.
- Working within their client area to increase employee engagement – retention, motivation, succession planning and development
- Lead the sickness/absence improvement project and have a developed plan in this area
HR Initiatives
- Input to design and manage implementation of HR processes to ensure they are fit for purpose to achieve customer business goals.
- Work closely with managers to identify required competency and performance levels. Analyse gaps and support managers in the identification of appropriate development and training programmes to enhance business performance.
- Implement agreed resourcing, retention, performance management and succession planning solutions within the business.
- Work with the business to ensure that the headcount budget is managed professionally and that plans to manage shortfalls are implemented.
- Share professional knowledge within the broader HR team
About You
- HR Generalist with strong business acumen
- Demonstrable experience of building strong relationships with trade union representatives
- Demonstrable experience of balancing operational needs with overall corporate environments
- Excellent knowledge of employment law
- Great communication, interpersonal and negotiating skills
About the location
Redman Place and other locations as required
The Reward
- Free Travel for you and a nominated person at your address on TfL Network – this alone is worth a potential total of £5,200 per annum
- 75% discount off season tickets and leisure travel on other Train Operating Companies
- Discounts on European rail services after 1 year of service
- First Xclusives – a benefits portal offering a wide range of benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Programme – 24hr helpline, covering a multitude of subjects
We all belong at First Rail London. FirstGroup’s vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, across its group of businesses, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.
We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.
We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.
We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details.
If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.
https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/
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