IR Group Head of Drivers

XC Trains Limited; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CrossCountry is seeking an experienced Head of Drivers - Industrial Relations Group to lead engagement with trade unions and shape workforce strategy. The role focuses on high-profile leadership, negotiations, and governance of collective agreements to support operational excellence.

You will build strong relationships with union representatives, guide organisational change, and collaborate with HR and operations to balance business needs with workforce priorities.

Qualifications

• Significant industrial relations and trade union engagement experience in a rail or safety-critical environment.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, influencing and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience working across operational, frontline and support functions, including train crews and depots.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with trade union representatives and foster constructive collaboration across the business.
• Lead the development and delivery of the industrial relations strategy and support business transformation.
• Direct complex negotiations, manage consultations and minimise IR risk while protecting service delivery.
• Oversee governance of collective agreements and ensure consistent processes across the organisation.
• Influence leaders and design practical IR solutions balancing business needs with workforce priorities.

Skills

Industrial relations

Trade union engagement

Negotiation

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Rail/transport sector

Education

HR / IR qualification

Tools

HR systems

Job description

IR Group Head of Drivers

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'll Be 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.