Brief Description
About the role:
There are very few roles within Network Rail that offer the chance to make a significant impact on the workforce, the community, and our passengers. The Head of Safety, Health & Environment role stands out as one of these exceptional opportunities. In this position, you will spearhead the delivery of safety, health, and environmental assurance (SHE) for your region and route. You will be responsible for developing and directing the implementation of effective policies and strategies regarding SHE, ensuring continuous improvement while facilitating efficient and effective delivery. With responsibilities that encompass workforce safety, level crossing safety, operational risk, occupational health, and environmental sustainability, the potential for making a positive and lasting impact is phenomenal.
You will achieve this by:
• Cultivating a ‘zero harm' culture focused on safe behaviours
• Ensuring that safety lessons are not only identified but genuinely learned
• Delivering strategy across multiple workstreams in a programmatic and structured way
• Being diligent in transforming data into insights and actionable results
• Building and leading a high-performing team with targeted and measurable success.
Who are we looking for?
We're looking for more than just a technical expert with health and safety credentials. We're seeking an experienced, emotionally intelligent, and authentic leader who can transform our safety performance into a lasting legacy. The successful candidate will be a vital member of a close-knit, supportive Route executive team, contributing to Route strategy and overall business performance. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact, then this opportunity is for you!
Our route extends from London St Pancras to Sheffield, reaching out to Lincoln, and includes major hubs like Bedford and Derby. Therefore, this role will require 4 days per week in the office at Bedford & Derby, spending two days in each of those locations and a flexible approach to working throughout the route. To find out more about the East Midlands route,
About the role (External)
To be successful in this role, we would like you to have/to be:
(Essential)
·Must be a member of the Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (IOSH) at Chartered (CMIOSH) level or above
·Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. MIOSH, CQI, IIRSM or equivalent) with chartered status and/or education to degree level.
·Relevant experience in the successful management of SHEQ.
·Good interpersonal, influencing, communication and organisational skills.
·Strong management and leadership skills.
·Ability to act as a role model to demonstrate appropriate safety behaviours.
·Detailed knowledge of safety and operational issues.
·Good understanding of the UK and European legislative framework and requirements.
·An experienced Health and Safety, Environmental or Quality practitioner.
·Knowledge of audit and investigation
We would also like but it isn't crucial to have/to be:
(Desirable)
·Knowledge of Network Rail's systems and processes.
·Knowledge of railway infrastructure materials and components.
·Competent IT skills