IR Group Head of Drivers

Arriva Group; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CrossCountry is seeking a Head of Drivers - Industrial Relations Group to lead engagement with trade unions and shape workforce strategy. The role focuses on building strong relationships, leading complex negotiations, and ensuring industrial relations support for business objectives.

You will collaborate with operations, HR, and industry stakeholders to deliver a robust IR framework, governance of agreements, and workforce stability across the organisation.

Qualifications

• Significant industrial relations and trade union engagement experience in safety-critical industries.

Responsibilities

• Lead trade union engagement and relationship management across CrossCountry.
• Develop and deliver industrial relations strategy to support transformation and performance.
• Lead negotiations, disputes, and risk management with unions, ensuring compliance.
• Oversee governance of collective agreements and ensure consistency.
• Collaborate with operational leaders, HR, and stakeholders to balance business needs with workforce priorities.
• Provide strategic guidance to senior leaders and build capability in IR.
• Participate in on-call rota as required.

Skills

Industrial relations

Trade union engagement

Negotiation

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Employment law

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

HR / Employment law qualification

Senior-level IR experience

Tools

Workforce planning tools

Rostering systems

Operational agreements

Job description

Closing Date: 21st September 2026

Shape the Future of Industrial Relations at CrossCountry

We are looking for an experienced and influential Head of Drivers - Industrial Relations Group to lead our engagement with trade unions and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our workforce strategy.

This is a high-profile leadership position, responsible for building strong and productive relationships with trade union representatives, leading complex negotiations, and ensuring our industrial relations approach supports both our people and our business objectives.

Working at the heart of the organisation, you will help create a collaborative environment that enables successful change, workforce stability, and operational excellence across CrossCountry.

What You're Responsible For

Trade Union Engagement & Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain trusted, constructive relationships with trade union representatives.
• Foster open communication, mutual respect, and positive partnership working across the business.

Industrial Relations Strategy & Organisational Change

• Lead the development and delivery of CrossCountry's industrial relations strategy.
• Ensure effective union engagement supports business transformation, operational performance, and long-term workforce sustainability.

Negotiation, Dispute Resolution & Risk Management

• Lead complex negotiations and consultation processes.
• Resolve disputes effectively while minimising industrial relations risk and protecting service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, and organisational requirements.

Governance, Agreements & Compliance

• Oversee the interpretation, application, and governance of collective agreements.
• Maintain robust industrial relations processes and ensure consistency across the organisation.

Collaboration & Influence

• Work closely with operational leaders, HR teams, and industry stakeholders.
• Influence outcomes and help design practical solutions that balance business needs with workforce priorities.

Leadership & Capability Building

• Provide expert advice and strategic guidance to senior leaders.
• Develop organisational capability and confidence in managing industrial relations matters effectively.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in an on-call rota as required to support business needs.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the role and business requirements.

About You

You will be a highly credible industrial relations professional with extensive experience of working in unionised and operational environments.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Significant industrial relations and trade union engagement experience, ideally within rail, transport, logistics, or other safety-critical industries.
• Driver experience/Driving competency
• Strong understanding of trade union structures, collective bargaining, consultation frameworks, and employment legislation.
• Proven leadership, negotiation, influencing, and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience working across operational, frontline, and support functions, including train crew, depots, planning, HR, and related business areas.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to balance operational priorities with workforce engagement.
• Experience using workforce planning tools, rostering systems, job frameworks, and operational agreements that support effective industrial relations management.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in HR, employment law, management, or a related discipline is desirable.
• Equivalent senior-level experience in industrial relations, organisational change, collective bargaining, or workforce strategy will also be considered.

Why Join CrossCountry?

At CrossCountry, our people are at the centre of everything we do. This is an opportunity to influence strategic decision-making, build meaningful relationships across the industry, and make a lasting impact on one of the UK's leading train operators.

You'll join a business committed to collaboration, continuous improvement, and delivering excellent outcomes for our colleagues and customers alike.

Diversity & Inclusion

At CrossCountry, we believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we serve. Inclusion isn't just part of our strategy - it's central to our success. We're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported to reach their full potential.