At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic people initiatives for Driver operations, ensuring safety and performance.
- Company: Join CrossCountry, a leader in transport services with a focus on safety and reliability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Be part of a transformative journey in a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workforce strategies that shape the future of transport services.
- Qualifications: Extensive HR experience in complex environments and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Closing date for applications: Friday 3rd July 2026
Purpose of the Role
CrossCountry is seeking a highly experienced Senior HR Business Partner to provide strategic people leadership for our Driver operations. This is a critical role supporting one of the most safety‑critical and operationally complex areas of the business. You will act as a trusted partner to Driver functional leadership teams across all depots and operational environments, shaping and delivering people strategies that enable safe, reliable, and high‑performing Driver services. Operating in a unionised, regulated environment, you will influence workforce planning, industrial relations, leadership capability, and organisational design to ensure long‑term operational resilience and excellence.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Lead development and delivery of a comprehensive people strategy for Driver operations, ensuring alignment between workforce capability, operational demand, and business priorities.
- Build strong, trusted relationships with Driver leaders to understand operational needs, safety requirements, workforce challenges, and long‑term strategic priorities.
- Lead strategic workforce planning across Driver operations, including headcount modelling, training throughput, competency frameworks, route learning, and resource resilience.
- Support and lead HR input into major Driver‑related change programmes, including timetable changes, fleet introduction, productivity initiatives, and operational restructuring.
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with trade unions, supporting consultation, negotiation, and dispute resolution in a complex operational environment.
- Strengthen leadership capability across Driver management teams through coaching, succession planning, talent identification, and targeted development programmes.
- Support the design and evolution of depot and Driver management structures to ensure operational efficiency and clarity of accountability.
- Drive engagement strategies tailored to Driver populations, embedding a strong safety‑first culture and promoting inclusion, fairness, and wellbeing.
- Ensure high‑quality workforce data, reporting, and insight are used to support operational decision‑making and regulatory compliance.
- Provide line management and direction to the HR Partner and Talent Acquisition Partner supporting Driver operations.
What We’re Looking For
- Significant experience as a Senior HR Business Partner (or equivalent) in a safety‑critical, unionised, or operational environment.
- Strong track record in complex industrial relations and UK employment law.
- Proven ability to partner effectively with operational or frontline leadership teams (ideally in rail, transport, logistics, or regulated industries).
- Experience leading large‑scale people strategies, workforce planning, and organisational change.
- Strong influencing, communication, and stakeholder management skills across all levels of an organisation.
- Experience managing and developing HR professionals.
- CIPD Level 5 or above (Level 7 desirable) or equivalent professional experience.
- Familiarity with HR systems (e.g. Workday) and operational planning/rostering tools.
Why Join CrossCountry?
Join CrossCountry at a time of significant transformation, where our people strategies are central to delivering safe, reliable services for millions of passengers every year. This is a high‑impact role where you will directly influence the capability, performance, and future of our Driver workforce — shaping how we plan, support, and develop one of the most critical functions in the business.
Diversity & Inclusion
At CrossCountry, we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Inclusion is fundamental to how we operate, how we make decisions, and how we succeed. We are dedicated to creating an environment where every colleague feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. Diverse perspectives strengthen our organisation and improve outcomes for our customers and colleagues.
Senior HR Business Partner in Birmingham employer: XC Trains Limited
CrossCountry is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic people leadership is at the forefront of our operations. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, we foster a culture that values every employee's contribution while providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Join us in shaping the future of our Driver workforce, where your expertise will directly impact the safety and reliability of services for millions of passengers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR Business Partner 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!
✨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 XC Trains Limited!
✨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 XC Trains Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Business Partner 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.
✨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 XC Trains Limited and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
