Assistant People Business Partner

Job Description

BUSINESS FUNCTION: People
GRADE: ML1/SB3
SALARY: £43,934 - £45,428 per annum
ROLE TYPE: Fixed Term Contract (5 Months)

LOCATION: Leeds
HOURS: 37 per week

Assistant People Business Partner

People come to Northern for trains they can rely on. Our leaders come to our People team for advice they can trust.

As part of our People function, you’d work alongside a People Business Partner on a 5 month fixed term contract to support senior leaders across our engineering function. This role sits right at the heart of decision making – helping leaders turn strategy into reality through their people, shaping culture, and making sure our ways of working are fair, consistent and human.

You’re not here to police policies. You’re here to coach, challenge and guide leaders so they can create the right environment for their teams to thrive, while keeping Northern moving in the right direction.

What you’ll be doing

• With the support of the People Business Partner, you will be partnering with senior leadership and management teams to provide clear, practical people advice that supports business goals

• Supporting the People Business Partner to translating Northern’s People strategy into meaningful actions within your business areas

• Supporting workforce planning, succession planning and organisational design activity

• Using people data and insight to highlight trends, risks and opportunities, and helping leaders respond to them

• Playing an active role in employee engagement activity – from survey results to action plans that make a difference

• Supporting learning and development activity, including performance development reviews, talent planning and skills development

• Working closely with colleagues across People Services, Employee Relations, Learning and Talent Development, and Talent Acquisition

• Supporting change activity such as restructures, workforce reform and, where needed, TUPE transfers

• Building strong relationships with staff representatives and trade unions, helping leaders navigate complex employee relations matters

• Stepping in for the People Business Partner when required

About you

People expertise, credibility and the confidence to challenge – that’s what you’ll bring.

You’ll come with:

• CIPD Level 5 qualification (or working towards), or equivalent experience – Level 7 is a bonus, not a blocker

• Experience operating in a standalone or advisory HR role within a complex, unionised environment

• The ability to influence and coach senior leaders, including at Director level

• Confidence working with trade unions and handling employee relations matters thoughtfully and consistently

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to balance strategic thinking and day-to-day priorities

• Experience using people data, metrics and insight to inform decisions

• A calm, pragmatic approach when working in fast-paced, multi-site or matrix organisations

If you can translate big-picture business goals into practical people plans, you’ll feel at home here.

What’s in it for you?

At Northern, we don’t just value our people – we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:

• Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.

• Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.

• Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.

• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.

• Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.

• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.

• Training and Career Development: Tailored training, recognised qualifications, and clear career pathways across the business.

• Recognition: Our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards celebrate the brilliant work our people do every day.

Why Northern?

We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,500 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.

Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, after which rail quickly spread across the globe – and this year, we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here, we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.

A place for everyone

The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.

At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B – we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We’re also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.

We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.

No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.