Head of HR Shared Services

Company: Hitachi Rail
Apply for the Head of HR Shared Services
Location:
Job Description:

Head of HR Shared Services

Join to apply for the Head of HR Shared Services role at Hitachi Rail

We currently have an exciting vacancy for a Head of HR Shared Services in our UK HR team.

This role will lead the HR Shared Services function, ensuring efficient, compliant, and customer-focused delivery of HR services across HRIS, administration, travel, expenses, management information (MI), and employee relations (ER). This role also provides strategic leadership to the shared services team, fostering a high-performance culture and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

  • Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing HR Shared Services team.
  • Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and support career development.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and service excellence.
  • Manage resource planning, workload distribution, and succession planning.

HRIS & Data Management

  • Oversee the HRIS platform, ensuring data accuracy, system optimization, and user support.
  • Lead system upgrades, integrations, and reporting enhancements.
  • Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR).

HR Administration

  • Manage core HR administrative processes including onboarding, offboarding, contract management, and personnel records.
  • Ensure timely and accurate resolution of employee queries and requests.

Travel & Expenses

  • Oversee administration of travel and expense policies and systems.
  • Monitor compliance and identify opportunities for cost control and process improvement.
  • Collaborate with Finance and Procurement to align policies and systems.

Management Information (MI)

  • Deliver HR dashboards, scorecards, and analytics to support strategic decision-making.
  • Ensure timely and accurate reporting of HR metrics and KPIs.
  • Provide insights and recommendations based on data trends.

Employee Relations (ER)

  • Oversee ER case management, ensuring fair and consistent handling of employee issues.
  • Partner with the wider HR function and Legal on complex ER matters.
  • Maintain documentation and ensure compliance with employment legislation.

Operational Excellence

  • Drive continuous improvement across HR operations.
  • Implement automation and self-service tools to enhance efficiency.
  • Ensure service delivery meets agreed SLAs and KPIs.

About you

Key Skills & Experience

  • Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience developing HR professionals.
  • In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and HR policies, particularly in unionised and industrial environments.
  • Proven ability to manage complex employee relations cases with professionalism and discretion.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
  • Ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including trade unions and operational leaders.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify trends.
  • Experience in managing change processes such as restructures, TUPE, and organisational development.
  • Proficient in HR systems and case management tools.
  • Commercially aware with a pragmatic approach to problem solving and decision making

Qualifications

  • CIPD Level 5 or above, an equivalent HR qualification or equivalent experience.
  • Evidence of continuous professional development in employee relations or employment law.

What we offer

  • Annual Performance bonus paid on discretionary basis.
  • 25 days holiday
  • Pension scheme with contributions up to 9%
  • Private medical insurance
  • Group Income protection
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programme

We also offer additional perks for you to choose from within a flexible plan that will meet your specific needs and lifestyle.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Human Resources

Industries

Rail Transportation

#J-18808-Ljbffr…

Posted: April 11th, 2026