Help shape the future of Employee Relations at Railpen.
As we evolve our People function to support Railpen's future ambitions, we're looking for an experienced People Business Partner to join our newly formed People Business Partnering team.
Based in either Darlington or London and offered on a permanent, hybrid basis, this is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping how we support colleagues and leaders across the organisation. You'll bring deep Employee Relations expertise, helping us navigate complex people challenges, strengthen our people practices and create positive outcomes for colleagues and the business alike.
Who we areRailpen is responsible for the safekeeping and investment of around £36 billion in assets and the administration of several pension schemes, including the Railways Pension Scheme, one of the UK's largest and longest established pension funds.
Our heritage of looking after the pension needs of the rail industry and its employees gives us our name and our unique outlook on how we serve our members. Railpen takes a holistic view, focusing on how we serve members today and how we can positively impact the communities and the world they will retire into.
To learn more about Railpen including our values, culture and purpose, visit our LinkedIn Life page here.
The roleThis role will particularly suit experienced Employee Relations professionals looking to broaden their organisational impact beyond case management and play a key role in shaping people policy, practice and culture.
Whilst titled People Business Partner, this role has a strong Employee Relations focus and sits at the heart of complex people matters within a highly regulated environment.
You'll act as a trusted adviser to leaders and managers, providing expert guidance on Employee Relations issues and helping the business manage risk, navigate change and make informed people decisions. Alongside handling complex and sensitive cases, you'll use your experience to identify trends, influence policy and support the organisation in taking a proactive approach to people challenges.
Key responsibilities include:
Managing complex Employee Relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, performance, absence and workplace conflict matters.
Providing expert advice and coaching to managers on employment law, policy and best practice.
Supporting investigations and recommending fair, balanced and pragmatic outcomes.
Acting as an escalation point for Employee Relations queries across the business.
Developing, reviewing and implementing People policies and procedures, ensuring they remain legally compliant, practical and aligned to Railpen's values.
Working closely with leaders to identify emerging people risks and opportunities for improvement.
Supporting organisational change activity and helping managers navigate complex colleague matters.
Building strong relationships across the business, influencing positive people outcomes and driving consistency in decision-making.
Working with trade unions and employee representatives where required.
Using insight and data to identify trends and inform improvements to people practices.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
The personWe're looking for a highly experienced Employee Relations professional who combines technical expertise with strong judgement, commercial awareness and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
You'll be comfortable operating in a complex, highly regulated environment, managing sensitive issues with confidence and building trusted relationships through your credible and pragmatic approach.
You'll bring:
CIPD qualified, or working towards a relevant CIPD qualification, essential.
Significant Employee Relations experience, ideally gained over several years, with a proven track record of managing complex and sensitive ER matters.
Experience working within a complex and highly regulated environment.
In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and Employee Relations best practice.
A proven track record of managing high-risk and complex cases from initial concern through to resolution.
Experience developing, reviewing and implementing People policies and procedures.
Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to coach, challenge and influence managers effectively.
Experience working with trade unions and employee representatives.
Excellent written communication skills and the ability to produce clear, concise and legally robust documentation.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify trends, risks and opportunities from people data and case activity.
A proactive and solutions-focused mindset, with the ability to anticipate issues and drive continuous improvement.
Our values of integrity, community and alignment are the guiding principles that influence our behaviour. They help us make decisions and shape our relationships with others. They’re what we stand for. You will actively demonstrate our values, helping to create a safe environment, to place the needs of the community above oneself and, through a culture of ‘fair challenge’, align to the best interests of our members.
What we can offer youRewarding youA competitive salary (depending on experience)
28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Generous annual bonus plan
We provide membership of the Railways Pension Scheme, a Defined Benefit arrangement under which you get a pension for life and a lump sum when you retire, based on your length of service and pay
4x Life Assurance cover
Private Medical Insurance
Employee assistance programme
Health cash plan
Eye care vouchers
Flu vaccination
We support hybrid and flexible working along with very generous family leave including 12 months full pay maternity leave and 6 months full pay paternity leave
Buy and sell holidays
Give as you earn scheme
Paid volunteering days
Flexible half days leave
Electric vehicle leasing
Cycle to work scheme
Please apply via the apply button or visit Careers by 5pm on Tuesday 18th August 2026.
Railpen is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment, we value diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Skills Required
- CIPD qualified or working towards a relevant CIPD qualification
- Significant Employee Relations experience managing complex and sensitive ER matters
- Experience working within a complex and highly regulated environment
- In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and Employee Relations best practice
- Proven track record of managing high-risk and complex cases from initial concern to resolution
- Experience developing, reviewing and implementing People policies and procedures
- Strong stakeholder management, coaching and influencing skills with managers
- Experience working with trade unions and employee representatives
- Excellent written communication and ability to produce legally robust documentation
- Strong analytical skills to identify trends, risks and opportunities from people data
- Legal right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship available)
What We Do
The Railways Pension Scheme is one of the UK’s largest and longest established pension funds. Railpen is responsible for the safekeeping and investment of around £34 billion on behalf of the scheme’s 350,000 members who are connected to the railway industry. Railpen's purpose is to secure our members' future. To achieve this we invest the scheme’s assets to generate strong returns over the long term. Our members and their employers trust us with this very significant responsibility. We are proud of this responsibility, take it very seriously, and are committed to, and passionate about, improving their future lives. Generating the required returns is challenging. To be successful we must constantly strive to be considered a world-class asset owner by our stakeholders, with a proven track record of adding value for our members. This means we have to have excellent people, doing exemplary work, in every part of our business. We use the size of our assets to invest wisely and influentially. Our convictions and a clear set of investment beliefs guide us through complex and changing markets. We’re not afraid to think innovatively or act boldly in the best interests of the members we are proud to serve
