IR Group Head of Drivers

Arriva Rail London Ltd; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CrossCountry seeks an IR Group Head of Drivers to lead engagement with trade unions and shape workforce strategy across our rail operations. You will drive complex negotiations, oversee governance of collective agreements, and align industrial relations with service delivery and performance.

You will partner with HR and operational leaders to build capability, manage risk, and support change across depots, planning, frontline and support functions.

Qualifications

• Significant industrial relations and trade union engagement experience.
• Experience in rail, transport, logistics, or safety-critical environments preferred.
• Strong understanding of collective bargaining, consultation frameworks, and employment law.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain constructive relationships with trade unions.
• Lead development and delivery of industrial relations strategy.
• Lead complex negotiations and consultation processes.
• Oversee governance and interpretation of collective agreements.
• Collaborate with operational leaders to balance business needs and workforce priorities.
• Provide strategic guidance to senior leaders on IR matters.

Skills

Industrial relations

Trade union engagement

Negotiation

Leadership

Rail/transport experience

Employment legislation

Education

HR qualification

Tools

Rostering systems

Workforce planning tools

Job frameworks

Operational agreements

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.