At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of people and culture across the railway for a better future.
- Company: Join GTR and Network Rail Sussex, shaping the UK's largest railway.
- Benefits: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and impact.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to influence the future of rail transport in Britain.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in creating an inclusive and integrated railway.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in complex organisations and strong change management skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
GTR and Network Rail Sussex are bringing track and train closer together to create an integrated, high-performing railway for our customers, colleagues and communities. We are now seeking an exceptional People & Culture Director to join the Integrated Executive Team and lead the people, culture, and organisational transformation agenda across the railway. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a significant Executive appointment with responsibility for shaping the workforce, leadership, culture and organisational capability required to support the future integrated railway.
You will lead a People & Culture function of around 90 colleagues across Employee Relations, People Services, Culture, EDI, Learning & Development, Talent Acquisition, Internal Communications and Business Partnering, supporting a workforce of more than 9,000 people. Our newly created railway will become part of Great British Railways (GBR) as the rail industry is set for a once in a generation transformation with the aim of building a railway for everyone in Britain.
The opportunity
This is a pivotal role at a defining point in the development of the railway. GTR and Network Rail Sussex bring together different organisations, employment frameworks, cultures, systems and ways of working. The People & Culture Director will play a central role in creating a more joined-up organisation: breaking down boundaries, reducing duplication, strengthening leadership capability and creating the conditions for teams across track and train to work effectively together.
You will be a key adviser to the Managing Director, Executive Team and Board, shaping decisions on workforce strategy, organisational design, industrial relations, culture, leadership and transformation. This is not simply a functional People leadership role. It is an Executive role with direct influence over how the integrated railway is organised, led and equipped to deliver safe, reliable and high-performing services.
What you will be responsible for
- Be a member of the Leadership team of the largest railway in the country.
- Lead the People & Culture strategy to create a more integrated and inclusive railway, ensuring alignment with business, operational and financial priorities.
- Act as principal adviser to the Managing Director, Executive Team and Board on workforce strategy, organisational capability, culture, leadership and industrial relations.
- Lead the people aspects of integration and major organisational transformation across GTR and Network Rail Sussex.
- Shape organisation design and workforce plans to ensure the right capability, skills and leadership are in place for the future.
- Create a coherent cultural approach across the integrated railway, building trust, collaboration and accountability across organisational boundaries and helping to ensure that our railway becomes purpose driven delivering key outcomes such as driving economic growth and enabling social mobility.
- Lead the Industrial Relations strategy, developing constructive relationships with trade unions and employee representatives.
- Provide senior leadership on complex employee relations matters.
- Lead leadership, talent succession, and capability development across the business.
- Shape recruitment and talent acquisition priorities to support long-term growth plans, workforce resilience and critical skills requirements.
- Lead learning and development strategy and strengthen capability across the organisation.
- Oversee culture, engagement, equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Ensure effective People governance, policy and employee lifecycle processes.
- Lead internal communication strategies that support employee engagement and organisational change.
- Build strong relationships with Network Rail Group, DFTO, DfT, trade unions, industry partners and other senior stakeholders.
- Contribute to the wider development of the GBR People & Culture agenda.
- Participate in the Executive on-call rota for significant business issues.
What we are looking for
We are looking for a senior People leader with the credibility, judgement and experience to operate at Executive and Board level in a large, complex organisation. You will bring:
- Significant senior People leadership experience in a large, complex, or matrix organisation.
- A strong track record of leading major organisational change and transformation.
- Substantial industrial and employee relations experience, including senior trade union relationships.
- Strong organisation design and workforce planning capability.
People & Culture Director in London employer: GTR
At GTR, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises both professional and personal development. As an Integration Change Lead at our Monument Place location, you will benefit from a competitive salary package, generous holiday allowance, and unique perks such as free travel for you and your family, all while playing a crucial role in transforming the railway experience for millions of customers. Join us to not only advance your career but also to make a meaningful impact in the rail industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People & Culture Director in London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at GTR!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at GTR.
We think you need these skills to ace People & Culture Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at GTR. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to GTR and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at GTR. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to GTR's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at GTR
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with GTR.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at GTR will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact GTR and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
