Od Business Partner (Management Development)

Fixed Term - 9 months

With more than 5,000 employees, ScotRail plays a vital role in serving the people and communities of Scotland. We recognise a modern and diverse workforce, encouraged to use their talents, and develop their skills, is integral to our success in serving and reflecting the communities of Scotland. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and have also set ourselves ambitious sustainability targets including having a carbon-free railway in Scotland by 2035.

We are looking for an Organisational Development (OD) Business Partner (Management Development) to help drive the development of leadership and management capability across the business.

As the OD Business Partner (Management Development), you will be instrumental in delivering our management development strategy in line with our broader people plans. You will lead the design and delivery of a core development programme that equips ScotRail’s leaders and managers with the skills, behaviours, and mindset needed to thrive in a changing environment.

Reporting to the Head of Wellbeing, Equity & Engagement, this is a highly collaborative role that spans organisational design, cultural transformation, talent development, and leadership coaching. You will work closely with colleagues across HR and the wider business to drive meaningful change that enhances capability and performance.

• Lead the management development agenda using evidence-based approaches to strengthen leadership capability across ScotRail.
• Design and deliver a Management Development Programme aligned to strategic business goals.
• Coach senior leaders, providing expert guidance and challenge to build leadership capability and improve engagement.
• Partner with HR teams to deliver people-focused solutions in organisational design, talent, and change.
• Support cultural and organisational change through the development and embedding of a sustainable people plan.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Trade Unions and senior leaders.
• Deliver training and development initiatives to support consistent application of HR policies and leadership best practices.
• Use data and metrics to evaluate programme effectiveness, inform decisions, and drive continuous improvement.
• Champion diversity, inclusion, and engagement across the business.

• A proven track record in OD, L&D, or HR, with a strong focus on management and leadership development.
• Experience in designing and delivering people strategies that drive cultural and organisational change.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior leadership level.
• Expertise in coaching, organisational design, and talent development.
• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively across complex stakeholder groups.
• Data-literate, with a focus on outcomes and continuous improvement.

• Ability to create, develop and implement an organisation-wide Management Development programme.
• Takes initiative, originates action and takes responsibility for the decisions made.
• Communicate, challenge and influence a variety of stakeholders effectively. Present sound and well-reasoned arguments to convince others drawing from a range of strategies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, verbally and in writing with the ability to challenge confidently with internal and external people at all levels.
• Demonstrable experience in an OD/Management Development business partnering role operating and influencing at a senior level.
• Role models the organisational values and behaviours.
• Able to demonstrate resilience and flexibility particularly when faced with challenge.

• MCIPD, or equivalent educational achievement (Level 7) plus experience.
• Significant experience of working in a multi-unionised environment and developing relationships with trade unions.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage a wide range of conflicting priorities in a demanding and fast-moving environment.

Hours of work: 35 hours per week, flexible working can be requested.

We offer an attractive reference salary of £55k - £60k per annum.

ScotRail offers an excellent rewards package including:

• Contributory Final Salary Pension scheme.
• Free and reduced rate rail travel for you and your family.
• Generous holiday allowance.
• Enhanced company sick pay and family leave including maternity, paternity and adoption.
• Life Insurance cover for 4 x annual salary.
• Contributory lifestyle benefit options including discounts at hundreds of retailers, cycle to work scheme, discounted gym memberships and healthcare cashback plan.

Please note that due to the volume of interest received these vacancies could close prior to the published date.

Short listed candidates will be asked to attend a competency-based interview. The final stage will be a medical questionnaire. Appointees must submit at least two satisfactory references, Disclosure Scotland clearance and complete a six-month probation period. Training initially involves attendance on our virtual Induction Training Programme.

ScotRail is six times accredited as a Top Employer, has achieved Leaders in Diversity and is a Disability Confident Employer. We value, celebrate, and respect the diversity of our people and aim to inspire, attract, retain, and develop the best talent. Because we value diversity and the benefits it brings, we want to continue improving the diversity of our people and particularly welcome applications from women, young people, LGBT+ people, people with a disability, and people from ethnically diverse backgrounds.