HR Officer (Advisory) 12mo FTC

Job Title: HR Officer (Advisory)

Reporting to: HR Business Partner

Contract: 12 month fixed term contract

Salary Range: £30-33k

Location: York/Sunderland/Wakefield + Hybrid

Grand Central (GC) is an open-access train operator linking the North East and West Yorkshire with London. We provide the smaller communities on the East Coast Main Line with direct access to London, at affordable prices.

GC may be a small operator in the railway industry, but we have a big impact. Working within this industry can be complex at times but if you are willing to roll up your sleeves, get involved and lend a hand when needed, the experience will be invaluable.

We have business locations at Sunderland, Eaglescliffe, Bradford, Wakefield, York, and London. Therefore, travelling on our trains to our locations will be part of the role meaning that on occasion flexibility is required but we are more than accommodating with working hours. 

We are part of Arriva Rail Services which is formed of Grand Central Rail, Arriva TrainCare and Arriva Road Transport Services (ARTS) and we work closely with Arriva Train Operating Companies. Therefore, this is a perfect opportunity for you benefit from the best of both worlds by working for a relatively small organisation and being involved in projects with the larger businesses. This role comes with plenty of opportunities to get involved in project work that will shape the future of Arriva and passenger transport operations.

We are looking for an individual who is curious, has a problem-solving approach and isn't afraid to speak up with new ideas and suggestions on how we can continue to deliver the best possible service to our people and their needs, no matter the circumstance.

With a people centred approach, it's essential to us that our colleagues feel their voices are heard and that we continuously adapt and grow. Without their hard work and dedication to our customers and our business day in, day out we wouldn't be where we are today, and this is something we are very proud of. That's why we always aim to do the right thing, not the easy thing and where we can do better - we want to know!

Check out below for more information on the role and if this sounds like your cup of tea, we would love to hear from you!

Role

Whilst the role is known internally as HR Officer, this is more of an advisory post and will be well suited to an experienced HR Officer or HR Advisor as deputising for the HR Business Partner may be required on occasion.

We are looking for a talented person who has a strong generalist HR background and the ability to build trust and working relationships with individuals and groups at all levels across the business.

The role will involve being the first line of support to our people and line managers so the successful candidate must have the confidence to coach and advise line managers on policy and procedures so proven experience in this area is a must.

We work closely with our three recognised trade unions and therefore, having experience working in a unionised environment would be an advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Be the first point of contact for employee relations matters, consulting with the key stakeholders to promptly resolve issues.
• Coach managers in GC policies, processes and best practice.
• Support end to end absence management.
• Undertake exit interviews and provide analysis and action planning relating to staff retention.
• Support the Finance team to ensure accurate monthly payroll processing.
• Manage the medical process ensuring medical records are up to date in line with ORR (Office of Rail and Road) requirements.
• Represent the HR team workstreams and projects in relevant working groups within the railway industry.
• Act as a deputy to the HRBP where required.
• Responsible for the creation and issue of HR and benefits administration.
• Ensure compliance with GC policies, best HR practice and employment legislation at all times.

To be eligible to apply, you must:

• Have a minimum of 3 years generalist HR experience that has involved ER case management
• Have experience working to UK Employment Law Legislation
• Be highly computer literate with advanced Office 365 skills

Benefits

• Unlimited Free Train Travel for you and your immediate family on Arriva Trains UK franchises (GC, CrossCountry, Chiltern, Arriva Rail London)
• Contributory Pension Scheme: Arriva Workplace Pension Plan (AWPP) provided by Standard Life
• Employee Assistance Programme provided by Health Assured: free, confidential 24-hour telephone counselling and information services.
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Arriva Village employee rewards and benefits scheme
• + more!