At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health, safety, and environmental initiatives across the UK organisation.
- Company: DB Cargo UK is the top rail freight operator, connecting supply chains across Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, bonuses, and flexible working locations.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team fostering a safety-first culture in a vital industry.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH General Certificate and experience in health and safety management required.
- Other info: Regular travel to Doncaster HQ and other key locations is expected.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
About DB Cargo DB Cargo UK, headquartered in Doncaster, is the leading UK rail freight operator and part of the DB Cargo Group, which generated €4.1 billion in revenue with 30,000 employees across 17 national companies in FY2023. The company provides safe, sustainable and innovative logistics solutions, connecting supply chains to domestic and European markets. Serving a diverse customer base, DB Cargo UK operates from over 130 UK locations with c2,000 employees. The business delivers construction materials, finished vehicles, bulk materials and containerised goods, while also maintaining rail infrastructure and offering services for scheduled passenger operators. Rail freight contributes c£2.5bn to the UK economy each year, delivering £1.65bn in benefits to customers.
The Role The Safety Director is responsible for providing professional leadership in health, safety and environmental matters across all levels of the UK organisation. This role ensures compliance with relevant international and UK regulations, fosters a strong and positive HSE culture, maintains safety certifications and keeps the safety management system up-to-date and effective. Additionally, the role involves overseeing the development and implementation of company standards, rules and procedures related to operations, safety, security, emergency planning and business continuity.
- Ensure safety certification, regulatory compliance, and maintain quality and environmental standards (DIN EN ISO 45001, 9001, 14001, ISO 28000).
- Develop and maintain a robust safety management system, establishing standards for safety, security, emergency planning, and environment.
- Act as the Director Responsible for Security (DReS) and collaborate with managers for continuous improvement in health, safety, and wellbeing management.
- Mentor and inspire the team, fostering a relentless and uncompromising HSE culture and ensuring effective leadership, workforce allocation, and performance.
The Person This is a role well suited to a safety leader from within the rail or safety critical heavy industrial sectors. The Safety Director will be an inspiring safety practitioner, able to engage all levels of the organisation to ensure an embedded and sustainable safety first culture. The successful candidate is likely to have:
- Relevant safety qualifications (Minimum NEBOSH General Certificate) and working towards Chartered membership of IOSH (CMIOSH or above) or CEng equivalent.
- Proven track record in developing and implementing health and safety processes.
- Excellent understanding of legal and regulatory requirements and management systems, with experience in completing health and safety management audits against OHSAS 45001 and ISO 14001 and implementing action plans to meet audit findings.
- Remarkable interpersonal skills with experience in training, coaching, and mentoring employees to enhance health and safety expertise.
- Driven, fact-based leadership mindset with resilience and flexibility.
- Ability to integrate health and safety requirements into daily operations effectively.
- Willingness to travel throughout the UK.
Location and Package With 130 locations across the UK, there is flexibility to where you are based. However, you will be expected to travel on a regular basis to the Doncaster HQ as well as to other key locations across the country on a regular basis. In order to attract the best talent in the market, DB Cargo will offer a competitive package which will include an attractive base salary plus car allowance and an excellent bonus with further additional benefits.
Safety Director, DB Cargo UK employer: Berwick Partners
Contact Detail:
Berwick Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Safety Director, DB Cargo UK
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific safety regulations and standards relevant to the rail industry, such as OHSAS 45001 and ISO 14001. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the rail and safety sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the Safety Director position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in developing and implementing health and safety processes. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've improved safety culture in previous roles, as this will be crucial in showcasing your leadership capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Research DB Cargo UK thoroughly, including their recent projects and safety initiatives. Understanding their operations and challenges will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how you can contribute to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Safety Director, DB Cargo UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Safety Director position at DB Cargo UK. Make sure you understand the responsibilities and qualifications required, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in health, safety, and environmental management, particularly within the rail or heavy industrial sectors. Use specific examples to demonstrate your track record in developing and implementing safety processes.
Showcase Qualifications: Clearly list your relevant safety qualifications, such as the NEBOSH General Certificate and any progress towards Chartered membership of IOSH. This will show that you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Personalise Your Application: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager if possible, and express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your values align with DB Cargo UK's commitment to safety and sustainability.
How to prepare for a job interview at Berwick Partners
✨Showcase Your Safety Expertise
Make sure to highlight your relevant safety qualifications and experience in health and safety processes. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've implemented safety management systems and ensured compliance with regulations like OHSAS 45001 and ISO 14001.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Safety Director, you'll need to inspire and mentor your team. Share instances where you've successfully led teams or improved safety cultures within an organisation. Emphasise your ability to engage employees at all levels and foster a positive HSE culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Prepare to discuss how you would handle emergencies, implement safety protocols, or improve existing safety measures. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Research DB Cargo UK
Familiarise yourself with DB Cargo UK's operations, values, and recent developments in the rail freight industry. Understanding their commitment to safety and sustainability will help you align your answers with their organisational goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.