People Advisor
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 26, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 23, 2026. SPS Bus scores A on the Alion truth index.
About First Bus:
Are you ready to advance your career with one of the UK's leading bus operators? Join a forward-thinking company that embraces cutting-edge bus technology, from innovative mobile apps to environmentally friendly vehicles. We are passionate about delivering passenger journeys that are sustainable, comfortable, and efficient. We are at the forefront of innovation in the industry, connecting communities and shaping the future of public transport.
We have a fantastic opportunity for a People Advisor to join our HR department in Leeds. This is a full time permanent position.
Reporting to Head of People Operations, the People Advisor will be the first point of contact for managers, providing expert and pragmatic advice on a range of people matters spanning the full employee lifecycle and associated people policies, with key focus likely to be on employee relations (ER) issues such as disciplinary, grievance and absence management.
In addition, you will utilise and provide insights on the current ER climate; and support the development and understanding of the people policies across managers and employees to improve the ER landscape.
Responsibilities
- Advising and guiding managers on a range of people issues including first line queries on ER, absence and performance management.
- Assist with providing advice and proactive recommendations to managers on employment matters and working with them to resolve issues.
- Work alongside People Advisory Partners to provide advice and guidance on local policies, procedures and current legislation.
- Work closely with managers to develop their capability and confidence dealing with people issues.
- Review and create draft policies and processes, advising line managers on practical application, and ensuring compliance with legislative change.
- Maintain and develop good relationships with Union Reps and the company to ensure union agreements are collaborative including day to day liaison with Union Representatives regarding ER cases
- Utilise the HR system, accessing information, adding information and changes as necessary to support the monitoring and identification of ER trends and themes across the business.
- Support the wider people team in the delivery of key projects / initiatives in line with the People Strategy
- Support the delivery of any people related training materials
Skills/Experience
- Proven experience as an HR Advisor or similar role, ideally in a unionised environment.
- CIPD qualified with a strong knowledge of employment legislation (desirable).
- A proven track record of building and maintaining relationships with employees, managers, and leaders at all levels.
- Ability to work autonomously and appropriately escalate first level employee relations cases as required.
- Strong planning, coordination and organisational, skills with the ability to quickly respond/react to changing priorities.
- Initiative and drive to continuously improve processes and deliver against agreed objectives.
- A strong team player with an excellent attitude, work ethic and professional character
Salary - up to £37,318 (DOE)
Rewards
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
- Up to 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares
Equal Opportunities
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.