At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of safety and competence management frameworks in the rail industry.
- Company: Join First Rail Consultancy, a leader in safety and operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £75,000, generous pension contributions, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for permanent progression and collaboration across the rail sector.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and competence in the rail sector while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Internal Quality Assurance professional with experience in competence frameworks.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
First Rail Consultancy seeks a highly experienced Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) professional to join the newly established Safety Function within the Railway Operations team. The role combines technical expertise with business development to strengthen client relationships, develop new markets, and establish First Rail Consultancy as a trusted provider of safety and competence management services across the rail industry.
You will design, develop and implement competency management frameworks aligned with industry standards, regulatory requirements and best practice. You will lead the deployment of systems for recording, monitoring, assessment and management of competence to support safe operations and continuous improvement. You will work with clients to deliver independent guidance on safety assurance, address challenges, mitigate risk and achieve sustainable outcomes.
The role also focuses on growing consultancy revenue by identifying opportunities, developing innovative solutions and representing First Rail Consultancy at industry events and client engagements. The position collaborates with affiliate companies and wider group businesses to create integrated service offerings and growth opportunities across the rail sector. This is a 12-month Fixed Term Contract, with potential progression to a permanent role subject to utilisation and revenue criteria.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the development, implementation and continual improvement of competence management frameworks, standards and assurance arrangements for clients in rail and transport sectors.
- Provide independent expert advice on competence management, operational safety, assurance, human factors and regulatory compliance.
- Undertake audits, assessments, reviews and assurance activities to evaluate the effectiveness of safety and competence management systems.
- Develop and implement competence assessment, training and development frameworks that support safe, compliant and high‑performing railway operations.
- Support clients in the development and deployment of digital systems for recording, managing and monitoring competence.
- Produce high‑quality reports and improvement plans with practical, evidence‑based solutions.
- Maintain knowledge of legislation, Rail Industry Standards, ORR guidance, RSSB standards and industry best practice.
- Build trusted client relationships and act as a recognised subject matter expert in operational competence and safety assurance.
- Lead and support consultancy commissions to ensure projects are delivered safely, effectively, on time and within budget.
- Identify organisational challenges, operational risks and improvement opportunities in collaboration with clients.
- Provide strategic and operational advice across railway operations, safety, competence and assurance activities.
- Support clients in preparing for regulatory inspections, audits and accreditation activities.
- Identify opportunities to expand services, develop innovative solutions and generate new revenue streams.
- Represent First Rail Consultancy at industry events, forums and client engagements to raise the profile of safety and operational capabilities.
- Collaborate with affiliate companies and wider group businesses to develop integrated service offerings.
- Support leadership to position First Rail Consultancy as a recognised leader in railway operations, competence management and safety assurance.
- Qualified Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) professional.
- Comprehensive knowledge of train working techniques, rules, instructions and Railway Group and Company Safety Standards.
- Knowledge of rules and regulations and regulatory bodies (e.g., RO G S).
- IOSH Managing Safety and NEBOSH Level 3 or equivalent.
- Risk Based Training Needs Assessment (RBTNA).
- Experience in developing competence frameworks and systems for recording and managing competence.
- Experience with IQA standardisation, audits, inspections and assurance across safety, operations and engineering environments.
- Experience supporting due diligence activities.
- Salary up to £75,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
- Minimum of 10% employer pension contribution and 5% employee contribution.
- 25 days holiday plus national holidays.
Principal Consultant - Assurance and Competency Specialist in London employer: First Rail Holdings
First Rail Consultancy is an exceptional employer that prioritises safety and compliance within the railway sector, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, allowing them to grow their expertise in a supportive environment while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance rail operations. Located in a vibrant area, the company also provides unique advantages such as flexible working arrangements and a strong emphasis on work-life balance.
