At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of safety and competence management frameworks in the rail industry.
- Company: First Rail Consultancy, a leader in safety and competence management services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension contributions, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and growth in railway operations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and operations in the rail sector.
- Qualifications: Qualified Internal Quality Assurance professional with rail industry experience.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
Overview
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.
Qualifications and Experience
- 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.
- What We Can Offer
- 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 bank holidays.
- Travel offers for Bus and Rail; Payroll Giving; shopping discounts and employee share schemes.
- Employee Assistance Helpline (free, confidential support).
- Additional benefits after 6 months of employment.
Who We Are Looking For
The successful applicant will be an experienced and qualified IQA professional with experience in a rail operating environment and an established profile within the rail industry.
Additional Information
First Group plc welcomes applications from a diverse range of candidates and is committed to diversity and inclusion.
We value differences and experience to help develop new services, enter new markets and broaden our customer base.
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Principal Consultant - Assurance and Competency Specialist employer: First Rail Holdings
First Rail Consultancy is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within the dynamic rail industry. With a strong focus on safety and competence management, we offer a collaborative work culture where innovative solutions are encouraged, alongside competitive benefits such as a generous pension scheme, extensive holiday allowance, and opportunities for professional advancement. Join us in shaping the future of railway operations while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Consultant - Assurance and Competency Specialist
✨Dive into Industry Groups
Join compliance and risk management groups on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. These communities often share temp job postings and insights. You’d be surprised at how many temporary gigs float around through word of mouth!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Consider creating content on compliance topics that get you noticed—think LinkedIn articles or even a blog. This not only shows off your knowledge but can grab the attention of companies like First Rail Holdings when they’re searching for someone to fill a temporary position.
✨Tap into Recruitment Agencies
Reach out to recruitment agencies that specialise in compliance and risk roles. They’re usually in touch with companies looking to fill temporary roles, which can save us a lot of time in our job search.
✨Go Local with Networking
Attend local compliance and risk seminars or workshops. Meeting professionals in our area can open up temp opportunities, and it’s a great way to make your face known in the industry—plus, you might even meet someone from First Rail Holdings!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Consultant - Assurance and Competency Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compliance Know-How:When you’re applying for a compliance-risk role like Principal Consultant - Assurance and Competency Specialist, make sure to highlight your understanding of industry regulations and risk management principles. Mention any relevant coursework, certifications, or projects that showcase your expertise in these areas—it's what sets you apart!
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In the compliance-risk field, strong analytical skills are essential. Talk about your experiences that required critical thinking and data analysis, whether in past roles, internships, or academic projects. Show us how you've identified risks and implemented solutions in the past.
Tailor Your CV for the Temporary Role:Since this is a temporary role, focus on your availability and flexibility in your CV. Highlight any previous short-term roles or projects that demonstrate your ability to adapt quickly and deliver results in a fast-paced environment. This helps employers see you as an easy fit in their team!
A Concise Cover Letter is Key:Keep your cover letter short and focused! Explain why you're interested in the compliance-risk area specifically for this temporary position at First Rail Holdings. Mention what you hope to learn and achieve, showing your enthusiasm and motivation to contribute positively during your time there.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Rail Holdings
✨Know Your Compliance Basics
Make sure you're clued up on the key compliance and risk regulations pertinent to the industry you're applying to. Understanding frameworks like GDPR or AML will not only impress but also show that you’re ready to hit the ground running in your temporary role at First Rail Holdings.
✨Prepare for Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. They might ask how you'd handle a specific compliance issue. Think through real situations you’ve encountered in past roles or study hypothetical cases to showcase your analytical skills and practical judgement during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly to new environments and team dynamics. Share examples of how you’ve successfully adjusted to changes in past roles and how this flexibility can benefit First Rail Holdings in the short term.
✨Gather Your Technical Tools
Familiarise yourself with commonly used compliance tools or software, as they might come up in the interview. If you've used tools for risk assessments or compliance tracking, mention those and be ready to discuss how they can streamline processes at First Rail Holdings.
