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Head of Health & Safety (12 month secondment/FTC)

IRC2369742

Head of Health & Safety (12 month secondment/FTC)

Who We Are

Where People and Connections Matter

At Network Rail, we connect people, communities and businesses across Britain, helping millions of passengers and tonnes of freight move safely, reliably and efficiently every day.

When you join Network Rail, you become part of something bigger than a job. You'll be part of a team that keeps the country moving, supports economic growth and helps build a more sustainable future. Whatever your role, your contribution matters, and the work you do will make a real difference.

We're proud to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to be themselves. We know that diverse perspectives make us stronger, and we're committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

We also understand that life doesn't stop when work starts. That's why we support flexible working where possible and encourage a healthy work-life balance, helping our colleagues thrive both professionally and personally.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we're dedicated to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive. If you need any adjustments or support at any stage, we'll work with you to provide the assistance you need.

Ready to help shape the future of Britain's railway? We'd love to hear from you.

About the role

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Head of Health & Safety to lead the strategic delivery of health and safety across the region, supporting the safe operation of a high-performing railway. Reporting to the Health, Safety & Environment Director, you will provide visible leadership, drive continuous improvement and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards and organisational objectives.

This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for shaping and embedding the region's health and safety strategy, influencing stakeholders at all levels and promoting a strong safety culture across a complex operational environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the Health and Safety (Passenger, Public and Colleague) management activities of the region to deliver a high-performing and safe railway.
  • Advise the Regional HSE Director on the formulation and ongoing development of the region's health and safety strategy, ensuring alignment across Routes, Capital Delivery and key stakeholder programmes.
  • Lead the coordination and delivery of regional health and safety improvement programmes, supporting health and safety professionals operating within the Technical Authority.
  • Interface with the Technical Authority to develop regional health and safety competency and capability frameworks.
  • Advise and lead the implementation of policies and standards that support strategic business objectives and ensure effective integration within regional business processes.
  • Lead relationships with Trade Unions, supply chain partners, Freight Operating Companies and Train Operating Companies on health and safety matters.
  • Advise the Regional Executive and wider HSE team on the development and implementation of risk-based monitoring programmes to ensure compliance with legislation, corporate processes and procedures.
  • Work collaboratively with leadership teams across all functions to ensure robust risk controls are in place and effectively managed.
  • Provide liaison with the Health and Safety Executive and Office of Rail and Road on general health and safety management matters.
  • Support the development and delivery of workforce health and wellbeing strategies to improve colleague wellbeing across the region.
  • Advise on and support the implementation of health and safety culture change programmes.

Closing date 02 November 2026.

Please note that this is a 12-month secondment with the potential to be extended or made permanent.

Band 2B (£71,163-£86,801) plus Inner London Allowance £3,270.

  • Generous annual leave, plus statutory days, with the option to buy or sell additional leave
  • Defined benefit pension scheme, providing long term financial security
  • Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
  • Travel benefits, including:
    • Up to 75% subsidised rail and underground season tickets
    • Up to 75% discount on leisure rail travel
    • Interest free loans for season tickets and station car parking
  • Health and wellbeing support
  • Enhanced family policies
  • Carer's leave, recognising caring responsibilities outside of work

Network Rail Benefits - To find out about what benefits we offer, click here

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You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive  for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.  Click here for more information

Drugs and Alcohol Standard:

Depending on the role, candidates that are made a conditional offer, may be a required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your offer will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results will be securely held on Sentinel database and a five-year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced.

Network Rail adheres to pre-employment Baseline Personal Security Standard (BPSS), this is government standard for pre -employment vetting. BPSS government standard pre-employment vetting requires Network Rail to screen a potential employee's unspent criminal convictions and undertake 3-year career checks. Employment at Network Rail is subject to employees meeting the BPSS government standard pre-employment vetting.

Network Rail welcomes applications regardless of age, disability, marital status (including civil partnerships), pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, transgender status, sex (or gender), employment status, trade union affiliation, or another irrelevant factor. We will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do, safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should demonstrate their personal commitment to safety in their application.

Network Rail positively embraces flexible working recognising that employees may wish to balance work and family/home life.

#LI-CW1

Your experience and skills

Essential Criteria

To be successful in this role, you must demonstrate:

  • Significant experience in a senior management role within a safety and health function.
  • Experience of managing safety and health issues.
  • Significant experience in development, implementation and ownership of HSSE management systems.
  • Competent in safety, occupational health and/or environmental management to NEBOSH Diploma level or equivalent.
  • Hold relevant professional membership (e.g. IOSH Chartered Membership).
  • Proven experience in strong management and leadership skills.
  • Proven experience in embedding a safety culture change.
  • Relevant experience in successful management of Health and Safety management in large complex organisations in complex environments.

Desirable Criteria

  • Broad appreciation of international HSSE legislative regimes and relevant international standards.
  • Experience in an HSE role within railway operational environments.
  • Experience of working with and developing Trade Union relationships.

What You'll Bring

You will be a credible and influential health and safety leader with the ability to operate at executive level, build strong stakeholder relationships and drive meaningful improvements in health, safety and wellbeing performance across a complex organisation.

If you are passionate about creating safer workplaces, leading strategic change and delivering operational excellence, we would welcome your application.

Key Information

Vacancy Details

Number of Positions:
1
Contract Type:
Fixed-Term
Hours:
Full Time
Salary:
£71,163 - £114,024
Location:
London Puddle Dock, Blackfriars
Closing Date:
02-NOV-2026
Job Category:
Engineering and Asset Management
Function:
Southern Region
Organisation:
IP Capable Owner H&S (454115) G2

Location Map