Head of HR Shared Services
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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
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