People Experience Director

CALEDONIAN SLEEPER LIMITED; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-known overnight rail service provider is seeking a People Experience Director to enhance the colleague journey and drive a positive employee experience. This role involves shaping a robust people strategy aligned with business goals, managing HR operations, and fostering an inclusive work culture. Ideal candidates will have a significant background in HR leadership and a passion for improving employee engagement. Join a heritage brand offering competitive salary and benefits in a hybrid working model.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Free travel on Scotrail

Healthcare cash plan

Contributory pension scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior People / HR leadership role, ideally within a regulated or service-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement people strategies that positively impact culture and performance.
• Strong understanding of HR practices, employment law, and ethical leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead all people-related functions and optimize colleague experience.
• Partner with leadership to align people strategy with business goals.
• Oversee key people functions including Talent Acquisition and Employee Engagement.

Skills

Change leadership

Stakeholder management

Employee experience advocacy

Team leadership

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Education

Experience in HR or People leadership roles

Job description

ABOUT CALEDONIAN SLEEPER

Caledonian Sleeper is an iconic overnight rail journey connecting Scotland with London, operating nightly (excluding Saturdays) and serving major cities and rural destinations. With a heritage dating back to the late 19th century, we are renowned for comfort, hospitality, and a unique travel experience across the UK’s scenic routes.

As a service operated on behalf of the Scottish Government, Caledonian Sleeper contributes to sustainable, convenient travel as part of the UK public sector.

Our core values—Togetherness, Respect, Integrity and Passion underpin everything we do. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve and fosters a collaborative, respectful and passionate approach to guest experience.

THE ROLE

We are looking for a People Experience Director who will report to the Managing Director and work closely with the wider Leadership and Senior Management Teams.

What you’ll do

• Lead and shape all people‑related functions for Caledonian Sleeper Limited (CSL), with a mandate to design and optimise the colleague experience across the organisation.
• Own the end‑to‑end colleague journey : attraction, onboarding, development, engagement and retention.
• Establish clear development pathways, succession planning and a positive, values‑driven culture that drives exceptional guest service.
• Partner with executive leadership to align people strategy with business goals, size and shape the workforce, and influence organisational design.
• Foster an inclusive culture that attracts and retains diverse talent, champions wellbeing, and elevates employee advocacy.
• Lead the development and implementation of people programs, policies and practices in compliance with regulatory requirements and sector‑specific standards.
• Act as a trusted advisor to leaders and managers, providing coaching, guidance and strategic insight on talent, leadership and workforce planning.
• Oversee key people functions including Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Employee Engagement, Performance Management and HR Operations.

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience in a senior People / HR leadership role (ideally within a regulated or service‑oriented, guest‑centric environment).
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement and scale people strategies that positively impact culture, performance, and retention.
• Strong change leadership and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at executive levels.
• Excellent understanding of current HR practices, employment law, equality and inclusion and ethical leadership.
• Experience in developing and leading inclusive, high‑performing teams.
• Strategic mindset with hands‑on operational capability, comfortable operating in a dynamic, customer‑focused business.
• A passionate advocate for employee experience and a track record of delivering tangible improvements.

Our Values : Togetherness, Respect, Integrity and Passion

Togetherness: You will inspire cross‑functional teams, foster collaboration across departments, and design a colleague journey that unites people around a common purpose, delivering exceptional guest experiences on every journey. Your leadership will promote a shared sense of belonging and collective achievement, ensuring every voice is heard.

Respect: You will encourage and advocate an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued. By implementing fair talent processes, accessible development opportunities, and respectful people practices, you’ll create a culture where colleagues feel seen, heard and empowered.

Integrity: You will model ethical leadership, transparency and accountability. Your approach to governance, data privacy and regulatory compliance will reinforce trust with colleagues, customers and stakeholders alike.

Passion: You will bring energy and enthusiasm for people excellence, translating passion for service into a compelling employee experience. Your initiatives will inspire colleagues to perform at their best and to champion the Caledonian Sleeper story.

WHY CALEDONIAN SLEEPER?

• Be part of an iconic brand with a rich heritage and a forward‑looking future.
• Opportunity to shape and uplift the people experience across a nationwide service.
• Hybrid working model in a supportive, collaborative environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

WHAT WE OFFER

• 25 days annual leave (plus public holidays)
• Free travel on Scotrail for you and eligible family members
• Free travel on Caledonian Sleeper for you and eligible family members
• Significant discount on other UK rail travel for you and eligible family members
• Allocation of "friends and family" tickets for travel on Caledonian Sleeper
• Healthcare cash plan
• HAPI Benefits membership offering discounts at selected retailers, hospitality venues and gyms etc.
• Contributory pension scheme

HOW TO APPLY

If you are interested in this opportunity, please click apply.

Caledonian Sleeper is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all colleagues are respected, valued, and able to thrive. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including different ages, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, neurodiversity, abilities and faiths. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. We look forward to receiving your application.

Closing date for applications will be Friday 2nd January 2026. Occasionally we receive a large volume of applications for our roles and when that happens, we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment.