Job Description
About Us
Specialist Passenger Solutions (SPS) is a dedicated division of First Bus, providing tailored transport solutions that ensure the perfect journey. Established in 2016, SPS is the sole transport provider for the EDF Nuclear Project at Hinkley Point C in Bridgewater—the largest construction project in Europe. Every day, we move thousands of workers and visitors safely and efficiently to and from the site.
As part of First Bus, we combine industry-leading expertise with cutting-edge technology to enhance the customer experience. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to delivering excellence through investment in our services, technology, and highly trained drivers.
Position Summary
At the heart of our organisation are our people, and this People Manager role will play a pivotal part in ensuring they are supported, valued, and empowered. Reporting to the Head of People and People Director, this role will be instrumental in delivering the People Strategy, fostering a culture where fairness, respect, and inclusion are embedded into everything we do.
This is a hands-on, people-facing role will be managing the People Team to ensure timely, fair and consistent delivery of Employee Relations cases including investigations, disciplinaries, grievances and absence management.
Trade Union, HR system and Payroll experience are essential in this role due to the nature of the business, future growth and development of HR systems. Alongside this, you will be the champion of our DRIVE Values, promoting fair treatment and a respectful environment in which our colleagues can be their true selves at work and thrive.
This role would suit someone in an Advisor role who is ready for the next stage of their career, or an existing People leader who wants to broaden their experience in a fast-paced growing business.
Key Responsibilities
* Managing the People Team to ensure all Employee Relations (ER) cases are handled in a consistent, fair, and timely manner, adhering to employment law and regulatory requirements
* Chairing weekly ER Case meetings with People and Operations Management teams to ensure alignment and compliance with SPS policies and industrial regulations
* Conducting weekly reviews of long-term absence cases to ensure all timescales are in accordance with both legislation and SPS policies
* Liaising with recruitment team to ensure a fair, consistent and compliant recruitment process
* Working with the Learning and Development Manager to ensure all managers receive the necessary training to perform their roles effectively
* Conducting regular reviews of HR processes and policies to ensure they remain compliant with current employment legislation and industry regulations
* Ensuring department safety meetings are conducted regularly to maintain a safe working environment in line with health and safety legislation
* Overseeing the weekly payroll process, ensuring accuracy, compliance with HMRC regulations, and a robust audit trail is maintained
* Providing support to the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) team, ensuring they have the resources and training required to offer appropriate support to colleagues
* Supporting the Culture Club to both promote and deliver wellbeing and engagement activities
* Managing the implementation of Colleague Survey departmental action plans, ensuring line managers take ownership and deliver meaningful improvements
* Support the successful implementation and ongoing management of the new People & Payroll system (Workday)
* Maintain regular interaction with Trade Union representatives to foster positive relationships and ensure early intervention in potential disputes
* Driving equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives across the organisation fostering an inclusive workplace culture
Skills & Experience
Essential:
* A flexible approach to working hours as we are a 24/7 business.
* Trade Union Relations
* Payroll
* ER Case Management
* HR systems
* Up to date and future Employment Law knowledge
Desirable:
* Occupational Health management
* Colleague Survey implementation and outcomes
* Performance Management systems and activities
* Project management
* GDPR and Privacy laws and processes
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.
Please apply now. We look forward to receiving your application.
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.
Applicants are advised that background checks will be conducted as a standard part of our recruitment process.