Job Description

We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable train service, by investing in our fleet of trains, stations and employees.

As part of this investment, we are looking to recruit a Head of Traincrew Resource, on a Full Time, Permanent Basis, in Birmingham.

The Head of Traincrew Resources is responsible for the planning, allocation, and operational deployment of Drivers and Senior Conductors to ensure a safe, reliable, and efficient train service across the West Midlands Trains network. The role leads the day-to-day and strategic resourcing of traincrew, including roster delivery, rest day working, disruption recovery, and the application of resource agreements.

What does the job involve?

Lead the strategy and planning for the delivery of consistent and robust traincrew resourcing, ensuring Driver and Senior Conductor availability meets both current and future operational needs. Develop and maintain forecasting models, KPIs, and period returns to accurately reflect the impact and cost of recruitment, training, attrition, and coverage. Establish strong communication channels with internal departments such as Train Planning, Finance, and All traincrew management teams to ensure joined-up delivery of traincrew resourcing. Manage the department's budget and influence wider resource expenditure to support operational efficiency and performance. Support and contribute to collective bargaining negotiations, ensuring resource agreements are implemented to maximise availability and reduce industrial relations risk. Drive the adoption and implementation of new technology to improve rostering, resource planning, and operational deployment. Manage industrial relations risk relating to resourcing, ensuring adherence to agreements and minimising exposure to system or human error. Ensure timely delivery of all resourcing elements linked to fleet projects, timetable changes, and engineering works. Lead on resource recovery during service disruption (excluding control-specific responsibilities), providing assurance of operational continuity.

Experience, Knowledge & Qualifications

Proven senior leadership experience within a complex operational environment, ideally in rail or a similarly safety-critical. Extensive experience of working in a heavily unionised environment with multiple stakeholders. In-depth knowledge of traincrew operations, rostering practices, and diagramming processes, with a particular focus on Driver and Senior Conductor roles. Able to interpret and apply terms and conditions across various agreements accurately and fairly. Strong commercial acumen, including experience of budget ownership, financial planning, and cost control. Demonstrated ability to build and present business cases to senior stakeholders, with a clear understanding of how resourcing impacts financial and operational performance. Technically skilled in resource management systems (e.g., CrewPlan, Genius, Integrale), with the ability to extract and interpret data, analyse trends, and develop actionable insights to improve resourcing outcomes. A strategic thinker who is also delivery-focused, with a high level of personal resilience and the ability to balance long-term planning with the demands of short-term service delivery. Experienced in leading geographically dispersed teams, and comfortable working in a matrix or cross-functional leadership environment. Strong coaching and people management skills, with a track record of team development and engagement. Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills -- both verbal and written. Able to influence, negotiate and build relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including trade unions, operational managers, and industry bodies. Highly proficient in risk management and scenario planning, particularly in the context of service recovery, industrial action mitigation, and timetable readiness. Understands the critical dependencies between people, process, and infrastructure. Strong understanding of safety and compliance standards relevant to traincrew operations, with a personal commitment to safe working practices and regulatory obligations. Able to work with discretion and professionalism on confidential and commercially sensitive matters, representing the company's best interests while maintaining positive employee relations.

What are the salary and benefits?

Competitive salary + benefits Defined Benefit pension - one of the best in the UK Free travel on all our trains and those of other train companies within our parent group company - for you, your partner and any dependent children 75% off all other train company travel tickets Retail discounts Career development opportunities

Due to the volume of applications we receive the advert may close earlier than the published closing date. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out.


As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure no-one receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race/ethnicity, religion, belief and sexual orientation.


Applications will be considered from colleagues with 6 months experience, after completion of their probationary period and a full check of absence and disciplinary records.