Head of Operations Standards, Safety and Security

Avanti West Coast; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - GBP 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading railway partnership is seeking a Head of Operations Standards, Safety and Security to oversee operational safety and compliance across its services. This role requires significant experience in railway operations, proven leadership abilities, and a robust understanding of safety standards. The successful candidate will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure compliance and influence safety and security operations while adapting to new technologies. A competitive salary package is offered based on skills and experience.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in railway operations and safety leadership.
• Proven track record in developing new standards and procedures.
• Ability to lead processes for holistic delivery across businesses.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies for operational safety.
• Collaborate with HS2 Ltd to create a bespoke Rule Book.
• Lead development of operating standards and key safety procedures.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Skills

Leadership in railway operations

Knowledge of safety frameworks

Programme planning expertise

Understanding of rail system stakeholders

Education

Relevant H&S Qualification

NEBOSH qualification in progress or obtained

Job description

Overview

West Coast Partnership Development is the trusted partner of the Department for Transport (DfT) who are working towards creating and implementing the operations for High Speed 2 Ltd (HS2). We are working to design, develop and mobilise the high-speed service operations which will deliver benefits including more capacity, quicker journey times and a step-change in customer experience.

We are excited to present an opportunity to join the operations team as the Head of Operations Standards, Safety and Security.

The Head of Operations Standards, Safety and Security will act as the professional head of safety and security and be the technical safety and security lead providing competent advice and assistance on operational safety to all parts of the business. They will ensure compliance with internal standards, safety critical work regulations, railway operational standards and other railway legislation associated with train operations and safety critical activities. The role will provide legislative, safety and security leadership through any changes to the HS2 programme and where wider rail industry reform impacts the operator of high speed services.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for developing and implementing robust strategies, standards and procedures to undertake operational activities safely, effectively, sustainably and in accordance with legal and industry requirements.
• Work collaboratively with HS2 Ltd and the RSSB to define and produce a bespoke Rule Book for the new HS2 railway. Produce a range of supporting Train Operating Company Instructions.
• Lead the development of operating standards and publications such as the train driving policy, company instructions, personal track safety, route guides and other key safety procedures.
• Develop policies and operating standards for new technology such as automatic train operation (ATO), European Train Control System (ETCS) and train dispatch system.
• Support development of staff training and competency plans to enable undertaking of HS train operations, safely, effectively, sustainably and in accordance with legal and industry requirements.
• Ensure that all safety, security and environmental activities are carried out in compliance with all relevant policies and standards and that processes are in place to monitor and act on any procedural drift.
• Technical safety lead in relation to the role of the operator.
• Leadership of the interface with HS2 Ltd, Network Rail and the Train Manufacturer & Maintainer in relation to safety and security of the operator ensuring the establishment of integrated safety and security requirements.
• Responsible for ensuring that cyber security is embedded across the systems architecture.
• Be an effective member of the Train Services leadership team, supporting the Train Services Director to establish an effective workforce and championing the behaviours of the organisation.

Qualifications and experience

• Significant experience of railway operations and safety leadership.
• Experience of leading and managing within railway operating standards and railway safety frameworks.
• Proven track record of working at a senior level in development and introduction of new standards and procedures and working with industry partners on new and novel technological introduction and major system-level process change.
• Excellent knowledge of programme planning processes and best practice.
• Strong understanding of Great Britain\'s rail system and the role of key stakeholders.
• Good understanding of the DfT’s ways of working, needs and requirements.
• Ability to work across broader business and lead process that ensure holistic approach to delivery.
• Relevant H&S Qualification.
• A NEBOSH qualification, or is working to achieve one.

Additional information

More information and full details of the role are available in the role profile attached.

The role is based in London and will require some travel on our network at times. The expectation will be a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.

Salary: competitive package depending on skills & experience.

About West Coast Partnership Development

West Coast Partnership comprises two distinct parts – Avanti West Coast and West Coast Partnership Development. Avanti West Coast runs the InterCity West Coast train services from London to north England, north Wales and Scotland.

Our work in WCPD is focused on developing plans for what the new high-speed services will look like (customer experience), how they will work (railway operations) and how we will start running new services and trains (mobilisation). Over the next 10 years we will develop and implement a programme (HS2 Ltd are building the new railway and associated infrastructure).

Our link: https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/about-us/a-pioneering-partnership

Your application

At WCPD, we value the differences that make each of us outstanding! We recognise the benefits of building a diverse workforce and employing people from diverse backgrounds, which includes their race, religion, age, gender, gender identity, disability and sexual orientation.

Everyone who joins us becomes part of our close-knit team. We're committed to ensuring that we are expansive and a place where people are encouraged to be themselves, and not an edited version to fit in. A place where differences are encouraged, recognised, accepted and put to good use!