HR Advisor

Posted 05 January 2026 Salary Competitive Location Birmingham Job type Permanent - Full Time Reference
037372 Job Function Headquarters

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR Advisor with a proven track record in resolving complex employee relations cases and managing absence effectively! As a visible and trusted advisor, you'll play a vital role in shaping a positive workplace culture while building strong relationships across our West Coast Rail Network. Your ability to navigate sensitive issues with sound judgement and professionalism will make a real difference to our people and performance.

You'll provide expert guidance to managers on a wide range of people challenges, including ER case management, absence, and performance issues, while building capability and ensuring fair, consistent outcomes. Our ideal candidate will thrive in a fast‑paced, unionised environment and bring confidence, resilience, and a proactive approach to problem‑solving.

• Employee Relations Expertise:
  Lead and advise on complex ER cases from start to resolution, including disciplinary, grievance, ill-health capability, ACAS early conciliation, and Employment Tribunal preparation.
• Absence Management:
  Provide hands‑on support and guidance to managers on short‑ and long‑term absence cases, ensuring fair and consistent application of policy and proactive interventions.
• Trusted Advisor:
  Coach and build capability in line managers to handle people issues confidently and compliantly.
• Data‑Driven Insight:
  Analyse absence trends, ER case volumes, and KPIs to identify risks and drive continuous improvement.
• Change Support:
  Deliver HR support for organisational change initiatives, including restructures and redundancies.
• Collaboration & Escalation:
  Work closely with Strategic HR Business Partners, escalating complex issues and supporting delivery of people plans.
• Process Improvement:
  Identify and implement opportunities to enhance HR processes and ways of working.

• Proven HR advisory experience, ideally within a unionised and multi‑site environment.
• Strong experience in handling complex ER cases from start through to resolution.
• Level 5 CIPD or equivalent experience
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility quickly.
• Willingness to travel nationally and be present where it matters most.

• Final Salary Pension Scheme
• Free Travel on Avanti West Coast for you and your family
• 75% Off Leisure Travel with other train operators
• 30 Days Holiday, increasing to 37 with service (including bank holidays)
• 10 Free Journeys with other First Group train services

If you're ready to lead with impact and help shape the future of rail, we'd love to hear from you.

We may close this advert early if we receive a strong response, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Be You. With Us

At Avanti West Coast, we believe our strength comes from the unique perspectives, experiences and backgrounds of our people. We are proud to build a workplace where diversity is embraced, and everyone is supported to thrive.

We welcome individuals of all races, religions, ages, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations and abilities. Our goal is to reflect the communities we serve and create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

When you join Avanti West Coast, you become part of a close‑knitted team that encourages authenticity. We want you to bring your whole self to work. No need to change who you are to fit in. Your individuality is what makes us better.

Passionate- We foster a culture where everyone is driven by our mission and are dedicated to achieving it together.

Committed- We are committed to safety, reliability and delivering the very best for our customers, our colleagues, stakeholders and the industry.

Integrity- We believe in taking responsibility for our reactions and decisions to ensure we do the right thing even when it is difficult to do and hold others accountable for doing the same.

Ambitious- We strive to be the best and are curious to new ways of working within our business and the wider industry.

Authentic- We are genuine, caring and grounded individuals that operate and communicate with openness, trust and clarity