Key Notes
Industrial relations leadership is the purpose of this CrossCountry post, rather than routine train driving, although driver experience or driving competency is an explicit requirement. Based at Birmingham head office, it covers trade union engagement, collective agreements and complex negotiations. The role also participates in an on-call rota and calls for experience in unionised operational environments.
What You'll Work On
- Lead CrossCountry's industrial relations strategy, developing trade union relationships and managing consultation and negotiations linked to workforce and operational change.
- Resolve industrial disputes and oversee the interpretation and application of collective agreements, maintaining consistent governance and compliance with relevant employment requirements.
- Advise operational and HR leaders on workforce risks and agreements, building organisational capability and contributing to the on-call response when required.
Why This Role Matters
- CrossCountry's workforce changes depend on consultation and collective bargaining, with negotiated agreements defining how business proposals can be implemented across unionised operational teams.
- Industrial disputes can affect service delivery, placing dispute resolution and the consistent interpretation of operational agreements within the role's direct risk-management remit.
What They Are Looking For
- Experience: Significant industrial relations and trade union engagement experience in unionised operational environments is essential; rail, transport, logistics or other safety-critical sectors are preferred.
- Domain: Driver experience or driving competency is essential.
- Technical: Understanding of collective bargaining, consultation frameworks, employment legislation and trade union structures is essential.
- Experience: Experience across train crew, depots, planning, HR and related functions, including workforce planning tools and rostering systems, is sought.
- Preferred: A relevant HR, employment law or management qualification is desirable; equivalent senior-level experience is also considered.