Full-time CHRO, First Rail

At Specialist Passenger Solutions (SPS) we are dedicated to providing the perfect journey.

SPS was formed in 2016 and serves the passenger transport needs of the EDF Nuclear Project at Hinkley Point C (HPC) in Bridgwater, the largest construction project in Europe. We are the only transport provider for the thousands of people who go to the construction site daily to work or visit. We are now bringing this experience to Sizewell C in Suffolk, providing safe, reliable, and efficient transport for its workforce.

We are first and foremost a people business with our colleagues and clients at our heart. We bring together an exceptional mix of people to provide specialist passenger transport solutions, delivering excellence in all that we do.

We continue to invest in our people, our services and state-of-the-art technology as we look to improve our customers’ experiences. Our drivers undergo rigorous training focused on safety, responsibility, and customer service, ensuring those on board have an enjoyable journey.

SPS is a division of First Bus.

As Head of People, you’ll play a key role in shaping our culture and driving employee engagement. You’ll oversee all aspects of HR, from employee relations, development and engagement to supporting the People Director with initiatives that attract and retain talent.

Working closely with the wider leadership team, you’ll develop strategies to build a diverse, inclusive and high-performing workplace, while ensuring our people have the skills and motivation to excel. You’ll also oversee HR policies and compliance, ensuring we meet regulations and best practice across the transport industry.

Duties include:

Own ER and absence management, ensuring timely, consistent and effective advice in line with SPS policy, legislation, ACAS guidance, best practice and IR agreements.

Establishing strong working relationships throughout the Division and Project, to ensure robust and credible delivery of the HR function in line with the needs of the business and project.

Continually assessing the training requirements within the management teams for People related processes and ensure the required training is provided and refreshed.

Ensuring GDPR processes are robust and compliant within the People team, adhering to Subject Access request timescales and making certain learning opportunities are in place.

Manage mental health support, ensuring appropriate resources, trained Mental Health First Aiders and wellbeing checks are in place.

Supporting the People Director to create and deliver the People Strategy and required projects to support the overall business strategy.

Promoting and embedding the equality, diversity, and inclusivity strategy throughout the business.

Lead skill gap analysis with the WLT and work with L&D and stakeholders to address training needs.

Tracking performance reviews and overseeing performance and capability management processes

Actioning engagement surveys, promoting completion, reviewing results and creating necessary focus groups and action plans to enhance results

Ensuring the induction process is both meaningful and accurate for all new starters

Developing the People team and their knowledge of internal and external practices through courses, identified learnings, case studies etc.

Capturing and reviewing the Workforce Plan, ensuring accuracy, and highlighting any risk to the business.

Ensuring all payroll queries are answered in a timely and accurate manner through the People Process Manager.

Utilising and analysing key information through relevant reporting channels (Job Chats, Absence Reporting, Exit Interviews etc), highlighting key trends, risks and follow up actions to the relevant stakeholders.

Essential criteria:

A flexible approach to working hours as we are a 24/7 business.

Extensive generalist HR experience and knowledge of employment law.

Good understanding of IT systems including Microsoft packages.

Experience dealing with Trade Unions.

Ability to establish professional credibility across the business through actions and behaviours.

Experience of dealing with senior management and challenging individuals.

Experience managing direct reports and leading a team.

02CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience

Knowledge of HR IT Systems (Workday)

03Driving licence

ER case management and employment law knowledge

Desirable:

04Knowledge of the transport sector

Apprentice programme, levy and associated knowledge

05CIPD Level 7

• Benefits:
• Annual pay review
• Smart health cover - our award-winning employee assistance program offers 24/7 confidential support for you and your family
• Pension – 5% contributory pension matched by us
• Employee retail discount scheme
• Life assurance
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounted Gym membership

All employees must be willing to undergo the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check and obtain a DBS certificate. These checks help ensure the honesty and integrity of individuals working at a Nuclear Licensed Site or with sensitive nuclear information.

SPS Bus welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to diversity and inclusion regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or age.