Head of Rail Systems Assurance
Head of Rail Systems Assurance

Head of Rail Systems Assurance

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and shape rail systems assurance strategy for safety-critical programmes.
  • Company: IKOS Consulting UK, a leader in rail systems engineering.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary and excellent benefits package.
  • Other info: Join a high-performing team and champion a safety culture.
  • Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on rail safety and performance.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in Rail Systems Engineering and proven leadership experience.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.

IKOS Consulting UK is seeking an experienced Head of Rail Systems Assurance to provide strategic leadership and governance across complex, safety‑critical rail programmes. This is a senior leadership role with real influence, shaping assurance strategy across multi‑disciplinary rail systems including infrastructure, rolling stock, signalling, power and operations.

The Role

Reporting directly to the COO, you will lead and own the rail systems assurance strategy, ensuring designs, integrations and operations meet the highest safety, technical, regulatory and performance standards. You’ll provide expert oversight across:

  • Systems assurance, safety, RAMS, EMC and human factors
  • Compliance with key rail standards (e.g. EN 50126/8/9, CSM‑RA, ROGS)
  • Independent assessment interfaces (ISA, NoBo, DeBo, AsBo)
  • Whole‑system risk management from concept through to commissioning

You’ll also act as a key interface with clients, regulators, operators and suppliers, providing clear executive‑level reporting on assurance status, risks and mitigations.

Leadership & Impact

This role includes building, leading and developing a high‑performing Systems Assurance team, championing safety culture, professional development and continuous improvement across the organisation.

About You

You’re a credible, influential rail assurance leader with:

  • 10+ years’ experience in Rail Systems Engineering, Safety, RAMS or Assurance
  • Proven leadership on major rail programmes (infrastructure, signalling, rolling stock or digital systems)
  • Deep knowledge of systems engineering and assurance principles (V‑cycle, integration, verification & validation)
  • A strong track record delivering Safety Cases and technical assurance for complex, safety‑critical systems
  • Experience working with regulatory bodies and independent assessors

You’ll be calm under pressure, integrity‑driven, highly organised and confident communicating complex technical issues at executive level.

What’s on Offer

Opportunity to shape assurance strategy across nationally significant rail programmes. Competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.

Interested? If you’re ready to lead assurance at a system‑wide level and make a meaningful impact on rail safety and performance, we’d love to hear from you.

Head of Rail Systems Assurance employer: IKOS AEGIS

IKOS Consulting UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and safety are at the forefront of our mission. As the Head of Rail Systems Assurance, you will not only lead a high-performing team but also have the opportunity to shape assurance strategies that impact nationally significant rail programmes. With a commitment to professional development and a competitive benefits package, we foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about rail safety and engineering excellence.
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Contact Detail:

IKOS AEGIS Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Rail Systems Assurance

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at rail events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in safety-critical rail programmes. Show them you’re the perfect fit!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t shy away from showcasing your leadership skills. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in building and leading high-performing teams. We want them to see you as a future leader in rail systems assurance.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team. Let’s make it happen together!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Rail Systems Assurance

Strategic Leadership
Governance
Safety-Critical Rail Programmes
Systems Assurance
RAMS
EMC
Human Factors
Compliance with Rail Standards (e.g. EN 50126/8/9, CSM-RA, ROGS)
Independent Assessment Interfaces (ISA, NoBo, DeBo, AsBo)
Whole-System Risk Management
Communication Skills
Team Leadership
Safety Culture Advocacy
Technical Assurance
Experience with Regulatory Bodies

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Rail Systems Assurance role. Highlight your experience in rail systems engineering and safety, and don’t forget to mention any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your background aligns with the job description!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your strategic leadership experience and how you’ve shaped assurance strategies in the past. We love a good story that showcases your impact!

Showcase Your Achievements: When filling out your application, be sure to include specific examples of your achievements in rail systems assurance. Whether it’s delivering safety cases or working with regulatory bodies, we want to see the results of your hard work and how you’ve made a difference.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company and what we stand for!

How to prepare for a job interview at IKOS AEGIS

✨Know Your Rail Standards

Familiarise yourself with key rail standards like EN 50126/8/9 and CSM-RA. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with these standards and how you’ve applied them in past projects. This shows you’re not just knowledgeable but also ready to lead with authority.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience

Prepare specific examples of your leadership on major rail programmes. Highlight how you built and developed high-performing teams, championed safety culture, and drove continuous improvement. This will showcase your ability to influence and inspire others in a senior role.

✨Communicate Complex Issues Clearly

Practice explaining complex technical issues in simple terms. You’ll need to communicate effectively with clients, regulators, and executive-level stakeholders. Being able to break down intricate concepts will demonstrate your expertise and confidence.

✨Showcase Your Risk Management Skills

Be ready to discuss your approach to whole-system risk management from concept through to commissioning. Share examples of how you’ve identified risks, implemented mitigations, and ensured compliance with safety and performance standards. This will highlight your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Head of Rail Systems Assurance
IKOS AEGIS

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