First Bus is one of the country's largest bus operators – taking 1.6 million customers to their destinations every day. We're a forward-looking business at the forefront of bus technology, leading the way on contactless payments, mobile Apps, and real time information. Our investment in state-of-the-art, new buses is just one part of our transition to a low-carbon future. It's an exciting time to be here.

We have a fantastic opportunity for a People Advisor to join our HR department on a full time permanent basis.

About the role

• Advising and guiding managers and employees on a range of HR issues, including first line queries relating to absence, discipline, grievance, and performance management.
• Working closely with managers to develop their capability and confidence when dealing with people issues.
• Establishing strong working relationships throughout the business to ensure robust and credible delivery of the HR function in line with the needs of the business.
• Ensuring all ER cases are managed in an effective and timely manner and providing ER data to managers.
• Proactively seeking out feedback regarding the service and contributing to any changes to ways of working as a result.
• Running development and training workshops for managers and developing colleagues.
• Supporting the review and creation of draft policies and processes, advising line managers on practical application, and ensuring compliance with legislative change
• Maintaining and developing good relationships with Union Representatives, including day to day liaison with Union Reps regarding ER cases.
• Utilising the HR system by accessing, adding, and changing information as necessary, to support the monitoring and identification of ER trends and themes across the business.
• Supporting the wider HR team in the delivery of key projects and initiatives, in line with our People Strategy.

About you

• Proven experience as a People Advisor or similar role advising on ER case work with employment law knowledge, ideally gained in a unionised environment.
• A proven track record of building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to work autonomously and escalate first level employee relations cases, as required.
• Ability to establish professional credibility across the business very quickly through behaviours and actions.
• Strong planning, co-ordination, and organisational skills, with the ability to quickly respond/react to changing priorities.
• The initiative and drive to continuously improve processes and deliver against agreed objectives.
• A strong team player with an excellent attitude, work ethic and professional character.
• Willingness to travel to other First Bus locations throughout the UK on occasion.
• CIPD qualified with a strong knowledge of employment legislation would be desirable.

Key Personal Attributes:

• A can-do attitude, with a positive approach to achieving results and outcomes through problem-solving and balance.
• Ability to build rapport quickly with people across all areas of the business and project – from the client, to trade unions and internal stakeholders.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to coach, mentor and empower your team and colleagues.
• Level-headed, calm, balanced and can approach problems or challenges in a way which builds trust.

Rewards & Benefits

• Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advise. Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support.
• We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc.
• Working at First you also receive discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service as well as a free bus pass.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares.
• Flexible working

We put a big focus on physical and mental wellbeing at First Bus. We recognise that anyone can be affected by the stresses and strain of work, or life outside it. You'll find a range of health-promotion initiatives, and you will have 24/7 access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme.

Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities, and people. We welcome applications from all.