At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health, safety, environment and security initiatives to ensure top-notch standards.
- Company: Join Grand Central Rail, a safety-first organisation connecting communities across the UK.
- Benefits: Collaborative team environment, impactful role, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage with industry leaders and drive continuous improvement in safety practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the rail industry while shaping safety strategies.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in health & safety management with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
Location: York. Type: Full-time. On-call required.
About Grand Central
At Grand Central Rail, we connect communities with fast, reliable and high-quality rail services. As an open access operator, we pride ourselves on delivering a safe, customer‑focused and innovative service across the UK rail network. Safety is at the heart of everything we do—and we’re looking for a Safety & Assurance Manager to help us continually raise the bar.
The role
This is an exciting opportunity to join our Safety team in a key leadership position. As Safety & Assurance Manager, you’ll be responsible for leading health, safety, environment and security across the business, ensuring we operate to the highest standards while driving continuous improvement. Working closely with the Head of Safety, you’ll play a pivotal role in embedding a strong safety culture, supporting operational teams, and ensuring compliance with all industry and regulatory requirements.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the day‑to‑day management of Grand Central’s health, safety, environment and security arrangements
- Support and deputise for the Head of Safety
- Drive the development and continuous improvement of our Safety Management System (SMS)
- Manage safety risk processes, ensuring hazards are identified, assessed and controlled effectively
- Deliver and oversee internal audit and assurance programmes
- Lead incident and accident investigations, applying root cause analysis to prevent recurrence
- Analyse safety performance data, identifying trends and driving improvement actions
- Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, industry standards and regulatory requirements
- Act as Grand Central’s nominated security contact, liaising with organisations such as the DfT and British Transport Police
- Develop and maintain emergency, environmental and security plans
- Provide expert advice and coaching to managers across the business
- Collaborate with key industry bodies including ORR, RSSB and wider rail partners
- Support business change by ensuring robust safety validation and assurance
About You
We’re looking for a proactive and collaborative safety professional who can influence at all levels and drive meaningful improvement.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Significant experience in a health & safety management role (typically 5+ years)
- Strong knowledge of UK health & safety legislation and industry best practice
- NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent)
- Experience conducting audits (e.g. ISO9001)
- Proven experience in accident/incident investigation and root cause analysis
- Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to influence and support operational teams in a safety‑critical environment
Desirable
- Experience within the rail or wider transport sector
- Environmental management qualification
- Emergency planning or fire safety expertise
- Training or coaching qualification
- Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. IRO)
Why join Grand Central?
- Be part of a safety‑first organisation where your impact truly matters
- Work within a supportive and collaborative team environment
- Engage with leading industry stakeholders and regulators
- Opportunity to shape safety strategy and influence continuous improvement
- Play a key role in delivering a safe and high‑quality service for our customers
Apply now
If you’re passionate about safety and want to make a real difference in the rail industry, we’d love to hear from you.
Safety & Assurance Manager employer: Arriva Group
At Grand Central Rail, we are committed to fostering a safety-first culture where your expertise as a Safety & Assurance Manager will be valued and impactful. Located in York, our collaborative work environment encourages professional growth and engagement with key industry stakeholders, allowing you to shape safety strategies that enhance our high-quality rail services. Join us to make a meaningful difference in the rail industry while enjoying the support of a dedicated team focused on continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safety & Assurance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the rail industry, especially those connected to safety roles. Attend events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture at Grand Central.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK health & safety legislation. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this in past roles, especially in safety-critical environments. We want to see your passion for safety shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've influenced teams or driven improvements in safety practices. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to lead and inspire others in a collaborative way.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you're genuinely interested in being part of the Grand Central team.
We think you need these skills to ace Safety & Assurance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Safety & Assurance Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in health and safety management, especially any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Grand Central!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about safety and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to drive continuous improvement in safety practices.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Did you lead a successful safety initiative or improve compliance rates? We love to see quantifiable results that show how you've made a difference in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Grand Central!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Group
✨Know Your Safety Legislation
Make sure you brush up on UK health and safety legislation before the interview. Being able to discuss specific laws and how they apply to the rail industry will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about past experiences, especially regarding incident investigations or audits. Prepare a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and leadership in safety-critical situations.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past. Highlight any experience you have in coaching or influencing operational teams to foster a strong safety culture.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about Grand Central's current safety initiatives or how they measure success in their safety management system. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values.
