Head of HR Shared Services

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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