At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engagement with trade unions and shape workforce strategy at CrossCountry.
- Company: Join CrossCountry, a leading train operator focused on collaboration and improvement.
- Benefits: Make a lasting impact while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are central to our success; everyone is valued here.
- Why this job: Influence strategic decisions and build meaningful relationships in the rail industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in industrial relations and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About the Role
Shape the future of Industrial Relations at CrossCountry by leading our engagement with trade unions and playing a pivotal role in shaping our workforce strategy. This high‑profile leadership position requires building strong, productive relationships with trade union representatives, leading complex negotiations, and ensuring our industrial relations approach supports both our people and our business objectives.
Responsibilities
- 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 the Candidate
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
CrossCountry believes our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we serve. Inclusion is central to our success and we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported to reach their full potential.
IR Group Head of Drivers in Birmingham employer: XC Trains Limited
CrossCountry is an exceptional employer that prioritises its people, offering a dynamic work environment where collaboration and continuous improvement are at the forefront. As the IR Group Head of Drivers, you will have the opportunity to shape strategic decisions and foster meaningful relationships within the industry, all while being part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that values every employee's contribution. With a commitment to professional growth and a focus on delivering excellent outcomes for both colleagues and customers, CrossCountry stands out as a rewarding place to advance your career in industrial relations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IR Group Head of Drivers in Birmingham
✨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!
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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 XC Trains Limited!
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We think you need these skills to ace IR Group Head of Drivers in Birmingham
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 XC Trains Limited. 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 XC Trains Limited 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 XC Trains Limited. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to XC Trains Limited'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 XC Trains Limited
✨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 XC Trains Limited.
✨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 XC Trains Limited 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.
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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 XC Trains Limited and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
