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- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Driver function, ensuring safety and performance standards are met.
- Company: Join a major rail client with a dynamic and friendly team culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent pension, free travel, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Shape the future of rail operations and make a real impact in a senior leadership role.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in rail operations and strong people management skills.
- Other info: This is a permanent hybrid role based in Birmingham with great career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 £ per year.
Are you a proven leader in rail operations, ready to take driver management to the next level? Are you ready to shape the future of driver operations at a senior leadership level?
TXM Recruit are seeking a Head of Drivers to play a critical leadership role within a major rail client, providing strategic direction, visibility and inspiration across the Driver function. This is a permanent, full time hybrid role based in Birmingham, West Midlands. The client is offering a salary in the region of £90,000–£100,000 per annum plus a strong TOC benefits package, including private healthcare and free first-class travel.
This is a pivotal senior role responsible for leading the safe, effective and compliant operation of the Driver workforce. You will set the vision and standards for train safety, operational performance, service reliability and customer satisfaction, ensuring Drivers consistently meet all safety responsibilities and legal obligations in line with company policies, procedures and industry standards.
You will hold full accountability for the employee relations strategy within the Driver function. Working within established consultation and negotiation frameworks, you will act as the primary interface with the Driver Trade Union ASLEF, chair Driver Company Council (DCC) meetings, and foster constructive, professional relationships that support high performance, engagement and a positive safety culture.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- 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.
Benefits
- Defined salary pension – one of the best pension schemes available
- Free travel on all our services, including spouse and dependent children
- 75% off all other train company travel tickets (1st Class and standard)
- Private Healthcare
- Retail discounts
This is a fantastic opportunity to join an exciting, friendly, and fast paced team, delivering essential services.
TXM Recruit is an equal opportunities employer. If you have any specific requirements or require assistance or reasonable adjustments to be made for you during the selection process due to disability or long-term health condition, we will do our best to assist you.
If you want to register your interest and apply, please contact me on the below or apply online:
Miren Chauhan
Delivery Consultant
Email: (url removed)
Head of Drivers - Rail in Birmingham employer: TXM Recruit
Contact Detail:
TXM Recruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Drivers - Rail in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the rail industry, especially those who might know about the Head of Drivers role. A friendly chat can lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values around safety and performance, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams through change and improved performance. This is key for a senior role like Head of Drivers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Drivers - Rail in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that align with the Head of Drivers role. Highlight your leadership experience in rail operations and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive performance and safety.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your vision for driver management and how you plan to lead cultural change within the team. Be authentic and let your passion for rail operations shine through!
Showcase Your People Skills: Since this role involves significant interaction with trade unions and team members, emphasise your communication and negotiation skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully built relationships and managed diverse teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you can easily track your progress!
How to prepare for a job interview at TXM Recruit
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of rail operations and driver management. Understand the key responsibilities of the Head of Drivers role, including safety standards and employee relations. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through change and improved performance in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented and the outcomes. This is crucial for demonstrating your capability to lead the Driver function effectively.
✨Understand the Union Dynamics
Familiarise yourself with ASLEF and the union's role within the rail industry. Be prepared to discuss how you would foster positive relationships with trade unions and handle negotiations. This shows that you can navigate the complexities of a highly unionised environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's vision for the Driver function and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your values and career goals.
