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- Tasks: Lead the Driver function, ensuring safety and performance while driving cultural change.
- Company: Join Ford & Stanley, a top executive search firm in the transport sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of train operations and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strong people management skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Ford & Stanley Executive Search (Part of the Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group) are a leading Executive search and talent advisory firm specialising in the following sectors:
- Rail & Transportation
- Civils & Construction
- Manufacturing & Supply Chain
- Technology & Cyber Security
- Logistics & Intermodal Freight
- Defence
Our search directors, search consultants and in-house research team specialise in retained opportunities at the highest level of organisational leadership and management. Our success is based upon a blend of trust-driven relationships, robust market knowledge, and working practices that ensure the best possible alignment of organisational need with experience and personal ambition.
We are currently working with a well-known Train Operating Company on appointing their next Head of Drivers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership across the Driver function, setting clear standards for safety, performance and behaviour while coaching senior leaders and managers.
- Lead cultural and organisational change, creating a high‑performance environment where issues are addressed quickly and effectively.
- Develop and deliver a sustainable resourcing and deployment strategy for Drivers, overseeing recruitment and mitigating operational and performance risk.
- Drive continuous improvement in train safety, service reliability and customer satisfaction in collaboration with operational and on‑train stakeholders.
- Act as the principal interface with the Driver Trade Union, leading all employee relations activity and chairing Drivers Company Council meetings.
- Ensure full compliance with safety, operational and regulatory requirements, providing strategic oversight of performance management, talent development and succession planning, including Level 3 on‑call responsibility.
Essential Skills:
- Experienced, highly credible senior leader with strong people management and leadership skills, able to lead, develop and motivate teams to deliver results.
- Substantial management experience with a proven track record of leading diverse teams through change, managing performance and confidently addressing underperformance.
- Demonstrated ability to deploy strategic priorities while maintaining a strong customer focus, with a high-level understanding of resourcing disciplines, systems and processes.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to build effective relationships quickly across all levels of the organisation.
- In depth knowledge of Drivers terms and conditions and with ability to operate in a highly unionised environment (ASLEF) at every level, to deliver agreements while mitigating business risk.
- Strong knowledge of London Northwester and West Midlands Railways operations, geography, safety and quality standards, combined with analytical and problem-solving skills to develop practical, commercially sound people strategies, policies and processes.
Ford & Stanley Executive Search Interview, Suitability & Matching Process:
- 1st Stage – Candidate Discovery: An open, conversational and consultative discussion where interested candidates are assessed on their suitability for the role in the context of the above and challenged on how the opportunity lines up with their career aspirations, motivations, financial expectations and personal circumstances.
- 2nd Stage – The ‘shortlist’: Candidates are asked to reflect on the candidate discovery discussion, take time to reflect on the opportunity and undertake subsequent research on the client business reporting back on their thoughts, questions and providing additional specific information on their suitability (if applicable).
F&S Executive Search – Delivery Team:
- Billy Jackson – Principle Consultant (Shortlisting, Offer Negotiations, Client Consulting).
- Emma Barlow – Senior Research Associate (Networking, Research, Search, Longlisting, Interviews, Data & Market Intel, Headhunting).
- Ralitsa Kuzeva – Executive Assistant (Diary Management, Coordination, Candidate Experience, NDA’s).
About Ford & Stanley Executive Search:
Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group are in the business of people and performance. Our mission is to create one million better workdays through facilitating great recruitment, leadership and occupational mental fitness. We support our clients in their most challenging business areas – recruiting, developing and retaining the best talent from shop floor to boardroom.
Ford & Stanley TalentWise – Business specialising in blue collar trade & technical services – permanent and temporary.
Ford & Stanley Recruitment – Business specialising in white collar spanning all company functions with specialist verticals within Digital, Rail Engineering, Civils & Infrastructure, General Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Logistics both permanent and contract.
Ford & Stanley Executive Search – Business specialising in Executive Search & Executive Interim Solutions in the UK, North America, Middle East and Europe.
Ford & Stanley Genius Performance – Performance is always accelerated when good people are coached, inspired, trained and focused in the right way.
Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an on-going basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy.
Services advertised by Ford & Stanley are that of an employment consultancy business.
Head of Drivers in Birmingham employer: Ford & Stanley Executive Search
Contact Detail:
Ford & Stanley Executive Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Drivers in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy to reach out to folks who work at companies you’re interested in. A personal connection can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company inside out, understand their values, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Practise common interview questions and have your own questions ready to show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and shows your enthusiasm for the role. It’s a simple way to reinforce your interest and remind them why you’re the right fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. So, what are you waiting for? Get applying!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Drivers in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Drivers role. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your past roles; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams, drive performance, and manage change. This is your chance to shine, so let us know what you've accomplished!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to see why you're a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Ford & Stanley!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ford & Stanley Executive Search
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s background and the specifics of the Head of Drivers role. Understand their operations, safety standards, and the challenges they face in the rail industry. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and people management skills. Think of situations where you've successfully led teams through change or improved performance. Be ready to discuss how you can create a high-performance environment and address underperformance effectively.
✨Engage with Questions
During the interview, ask insightful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the role and the industry. Inquire about their current challenges, the culture within the Driver function, and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Build Rapport
Establishing a connection with your interviewers is key. Use your excellent communication skills to engage them in conversation. Share relevant anecdotes that resonate with their values and mission, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead and develop the Driver function.