At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safety training and competency services, ensuring operational excellence in the rail industry.
- Company: First Rail, a leading UK rail operator with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension contributions, 25 days holiday, and shopping discounts.
- Other info: 12-month fixed-term contract with potential for permanent progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on rail safety and workforce development while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experienced organisational psychologist with a strong background in health and safety.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
Who Are We? First Rail is one of the most experienced rail operators in the UK, with more than 770,000 passenger journeys daily last year across our Department for Transport contracted operations and Open Access routes. We operate two major train operating companies – Avanti West Coast and Great Western Railway (GWR), and two Open Access passenger rail services, Hull Trains and Lumo. We are also ‘shadow operator’ on the HS2 programme and operate the London Overground; London Tram and London Cable Car services on behalf of Transport for London.
What is the role? As part of the Safety function within the Railway Operations team at First Rail Consultancy this role will champion the development and growth of our safety advisory and training services, helping to expand our market presence and drive sustainable revenue growth. The postholder will provide strategic insight into market opportunities, client needs, and service development, supporting the Consultancy's ambitions for market penetration and commercial success. The role will be responsible for the development, delivery, and quality assurance of Training Needs Analyses (TNA) for clients across the rail and transport sectors. Working closely with client organisations, you will identify capability gaps, design tailored solutions, and ensure that training interventions support operational excellence, safety performance, and organisational objectives.
You will lead the design, development, and oversight of a broad portfolio of learning and development solutions, including workplace health, safety and environmental training programmes, vocational qualifications, and non-technical operational training. You will ensure that all learning products are aligned with industry best practice, regulatory requirements, and client expectations, while maintaining high standards of quality and effectiveness. A key aspect of the role will be building and maintaining strong client relationships, working collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver positive outcomes and identify opportunities to expand our service offering. Through your expertise and industry knowledge, you will support business development activities, generate new consultancy opportunities, and contribute to the growth of the Railway Operations business.
In addition, you will act as a subject matter expert within the wider Consultancy, mentoring and upskilling colleagues to strengthen organisational capability and enhance the breadth and depth of our safety and operational training services. By fostering knowledge sharing and innovation, you will help ensure the Consultancy remains at the forefront of rail safety, training, and workforce development.
Key Objectives
- Champion the growth and development of the Consultancy's safety training and competency services.
- Lead the delivery of Training Needs Analyses and competency assessments for clients.
- Design and oversee health, safety, environmental, vocational, and operational training programmes.
- Develop strategic client relationships and identify revenue-generating opportunities.
- Provide market intelligence and insights to support business growth and service innovation.
- Ensure compliance with relevant rail industry, health and safety, and training standards.
- Support, mentor, and develop colleagues to strengthen the Consultancy's overall capability and market offering.
Note that this role is a 12-month Fixed Term Contract, with progression onto a permanent contract subject to meeting criteria on utilisation and revenue generation.
Who are we looking for? The successful applicant for the role will be an experienced and qualified organisational psychologist and development specialist with experience of delivery in a rail operating environment, and with an established profile within the rail industry.
Skills, Experience and role responsibilities include:
- NEBOSH National General Certificate or equivalent Level 6 Certificate or higher in Applied Health and Safety
- Good understanding of health and safety legislation and can demonstrate implementation of health and safety procedures in safety critical environments
- Organisational needs analysis
- Programme development and delivery
- Strategy development
- Culture development
- Monitoring and trend analysis and development planning
- Post incident intervention
- Delivery of safety training for safety critical environments
- Business Development
What can we offer you?
- Salary of £75k per annum
- Minimum of 10% contribution to your Pension (5% employer and 5% employee)
- 25 days holiday plus national bank holidays
- Travel offers for Bus and Rail*
- Payroll Giving – donate directly from your pay to a charity of your choice
- Shopping discounts including discounts and cashback on electrical goods, your weekly shop, holidays, cinema trips, car insurance, upgrading your mobile and lots more
- All employee Share Schemes*
- Buy as You Earn share scheme*
- Employee Assistance Helpline – free, confidential employee support service provided by an independent provider
*After 6 months employment
FirstGroup plc welcomes applications from a diverse range of candidates regardless of background, gender, race, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation or age. We aspire to be a diverse and inclusive organisation because we believe that diversity brings benefits for our customers, communities and our people. Valuing our differences and drawing on our collective knowledge and experience helps us develop new services, open up new markets and broaden our customer base.
Principal Consultant - Human Factors and Non-Technical Skills Specialist employer: FirstGroup plc
GWR, as part of FirstGroup plc, is an exceptional employer that champions a dynamic and inclusive work culture in the heart of London Paddington. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we offer unique opportunities to engage in innovative retail initiatives within the railway sector, all while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your contributions and prioritises customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Consultant - Human Factors and Non-Technical Skills Specialist
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
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Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at FirstGroup plc!
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Consultant - Human Factors and Non-Technical Skills Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at FirstGroup plc. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to FirstGroup plc and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at FirstGroup plc. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to FirstGroup plc's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at FirstGroup plc
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with FirstGroup plc.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
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A full-time HR role at FirstGroup plc will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
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Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact FirstGroup plc and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
