Head of Operational Safety
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With more than 5,000 employees, ScotRail plays a vital role in serving the people and communities of Scotland. We recognise a modern and diverse workforce, encouraged to use their talents, and develop their skills, is integral to our success in serving and reflecting the communities of Scotland. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and have also set ourselves ambitious sustainability targets including having a carbon-free railway in Scotland by 2035.
The Role
ScotRail’s Head of Operational Safety will support the development and delivery of ScotRail’s Safety Strategy, ensuring operational safety standards and performance measures align with the organisation’s operational priorities and are informed by internal and external benchmarking.
The role will lead the Operational Safety team, providing direction, oversight and assurance to ensure ScotRail’s operational safety management systems are effectively implemented and continuously improved. The postholder will oversee operational safety assurance activities across ScotRail’s network and represent the organisation on joint industry bodies, formal inquiries and major incident investigations.
The Head of Operational Safety is responsible for leading the development, maintenance and assurance of operational safety standards applicable to ScotRail’s railway operations, including driving, train working, shunting, train dispatch and depot, yard and station operations.
The role also provides expert leadership and advice on operational safety matters, including railway rules and signalling, and works closely with Network Rail to agree operational and signalling arrangements.
The postholder will maintain strong engagement with industry bodies including the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), ensuring that emerging regulatory expectations and industry learning are reflected in ScotRail’s operational safety arrangements.
What you bring
- Significant experience within railway operations, with a strong track record of implementing and assuring operational safety standards within a complex operational environment.
- Experience of leading or overseeing accident and incident investigations and translating learning into improvements to operational risk controls and safety performance.
- Exceptional analytical capability with the ability to interpret safety performance data, audits and operational assurance activity to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.
- The ability to build effective relationships and influence senior operational stakeholders, providing constructive challenge and leadership on operational safety matters.
- A recognised health and safety qualification (e.g. NEBOSH Certificate or equivalent) alongside a strong working knowledge of relevant railway industry standards and guidance.
What we offer you
- Contributory Final Salary Pension scheme.
- Free and reduced rate rail travel for you and your family.
- Generous holiday allowance.
- A hybrid working model.
- Enhanced company sick pay and family leave including maternity, paternity and adoption.
- Life Insurance cover for 4 x annual salary when you join the pension scheme.
- Contributory lifestyle benefit options including discounts at hundreds of retailers, cycle to work scheme, discounted gym memberships and healthcare cashback plan.
Please note that due to the volume of interest received these vacancies could close prior to the published date.
Equal Opportunities
ScotRail is seven times accredited as a Top Employer, has achieved Leaders in Diversity and is a Disability Confident Employer. We value, celebrate, and respect the diversity our people and aim to inspire, attract, retain, and develop the best talent. Because we value diversity and the benefits it brings, we want to continue improving the diversity of our people and particularly welcome applications from women, young people, LGBT+ people, people with a disability, and people from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a competency-based interview. All offers are subject to passing our pre-employment checks which include a criminal record check, medical and referencing. Medical Fitness: Due to the nature of the post and rail industry safety requirements there are certain medical & fitness standards that you would require to meet.