At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead trade union engagement and shape workforce strategy at CrossCountry.
- Company: Join CrossCountry, a leading train operator focused on collaboration and improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for impactful work.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to supporting your growth and potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in industrial relations and influence strategic decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in industrial relations and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
- 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.
Ready to make a difference?
Apply now and take the next step in your career with CrossCountry Trains.
IR Group Head of Drivers employer: Arriva Rail London Ltd
CrossCountry is an exceptional employer that prioritises its people, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture where every employee can thrive. As the IR Group Head of Drivers, you will have the unique opportunity to shape strategic decisions and build impactful relationships within one of the UK's leading train operators, all while benefiting from a commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
