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- Tasks: Lead the Health, Safety & Environment strategy for a major rail upgrade programme.
- Company: Network Rail is transforming the Transpennine main line for better, greener travel.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a diverse culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and sustainability in a vital industry.
- Qualifications: Chartered member of IOSH and NEBOSH Diploma required; strong leadership skills essential.
- Other info: This role involves extensive travel and can be based in Manchester, Leeds, or York.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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About Network Rail
Transpennine Route Upgrade, known as TRU, is a multi-billion-pound programme transforming the Transpennine main line between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. Spanning 70 miles and serving 23 stations, the programme will deliver more frequent, faster, greener trains and improved reliability.
Location
York, GB
Department Name
Eastern Region
About Network Rail
Transpennine Route Upgrade, known as TRU, is a multi-billion-pound programme transforming the Transpennine main line between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. Spanning 70 miles and serving 23 stations, the programme will deliver more frequent, faster, greener trains and improved reliability.
This ambitious upgrade includes extensive work across bridges, tunnels, stations and level crossings and is delivered in close collaboration with Transpennine Express, Northern, freight operators, regional authorities, and a complex supply chain. Our goal is to modernise this key route while keeping passengers moving and minimising disruption—delivering long-term benefits to communities and businesses across the region.
Brief Description
About the role:
This is a strategic role, central to TRU’s success. As Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Director, you will shape and steer the overarching strategy for safety, quality, and environmental performance across the entire TRU programme. This role can be based in either our Manchester, Leeds or York office and extensive travel is a requirement of this role.
You will lead on setting direction, influencing senior stakeholders, and embedding a strong safety and sustainability culture through clear vision, governance, and assurance. Operating at a strategic level, you will work across TRU’s delivery organisations to drive alignment, elevate standards, and support the safe, sustainable, and first-in-class delivery of the programme. Your leadership will ensure Health, Safety, and Environmental priorities are embedded in programme governance, risk management, and decision-making at the highest levels.
Key Accountabilities:
Shape and Lead Health, Safety, Quality and Environment Strategy Across TRU
- Lead the development, implementation, and continuous refinement of TRU’s vision and strategy for health, safety, quality, environment, and sustainability.
- Ensure strategic alignment with TRU programme objectives and work collaboratively with TRU directors and delivery partners.
Drive Cultural and Leadership Change
- Lead the delivery of TRU’s safety and sustainability leadership and culture change programmes to embed a ‘Safety First’ mindset and drive improved performance.
- Influence and embed the cultural and behavioural shifts required to support TRU’s strategic goals.
- Build capability by leading the development of safety competencies and frameworks across the workforce.
Provide Strategic Assurance and Governance
- Provide assurance to the TRU Managing Director and senior leadership on legal compliance and the management of health, safety, environmental and social risks.
- Implement and maintain effective governance and oversight, aligned with the Network Rail Management System and other regulatory requirements.
Lead Risk Management and Regulatory Engagement
- Oversee the identification, monitoring, and control of key HSE risks across the programme, advising leadership on effectiveness and escalation where needed.
- Act as the Designated Competent Person (DCP) for incidents, oversee investigations, and ensure lessons are captured and embedded across TRU.
- Engage proactively with the Technical Authority, ORR, trade unions, customers, and delivery partners on all HSE matters.
Champion Passenger and Workforce Safety
- Lead the development and delivery of strategies to improve safety outcomes for passengers, the public, and the workforce across operational railway and managed stations.
- Promote continuous improvement through risk-based monitoring, independent review panels, and structured feedback loops.
Embed Quality, Environmental and Sustainability Standards
- Ensure the integration of environmental, sustainability and quality objectives within TRU’s broader delivery plans.
- Oversee assurance activities to meet environmental obligations, improve biodiversity, reduce carbon, and support long-term social value.
About The Role (External)
Essential:
- Member of the institution of Occupational Safety and Health with Chartered status
- NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent qualification
- Able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the Health and Safety at Work Act and relevant statutory provisions, including railway-specific regulations, and the company health and safety management system.
- Competent in managing safety, occupational health, and sustainability matters.
- Proven successful experience in the strategic management of complex system risk.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, possessing the ability to interact and maintain credibility with people at all levels across the business and industry stakeholders.
- Previous successful significant experience in a senior management role and experience of working on a major programme
- Successful experience of leading teams in a complex, dynamic environment
- Detailed understanding of health, safety, quality, environment and sustainability, and the mitigation plans required for business benefit.
- Able to demonstrate understanding of quality management systems.
- Demonstrable strong influencing and leadership skills
- Demonstrable excellent report writing and presentation skills.
- Able to demonstrate sound knowledge of railway industry.
Desirable
- An understanding of the company performance regime and financial systems
How To Apply (External)
Duration: Permanent
Closing date: 29/08/2025.
Location: This role can be based in the following locations: Manchester, Leeds, or York.
This role is a full-time opportunity, and this role requires extensive travel.
Join Network Rail – Where People and Connections Matter
At Network Rail, we\’re dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you\’re not just part of a team – you\’re part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. Click here to learn more.
We\’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we\’ll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
If you\’re ready to make a real difference, we\’d love to hear from you!
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision.
You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you\’re unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.
Network Rail Benefits – To find out about what benefits we offer, click here
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information .
If you have any questions about this role, or require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please contact Deborah.mcdade@networkrail.co.uk
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Health Care Provider
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Industries
Rail Transportation
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Health Safety & Environment Director employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Health Safety & Environment Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Network Rail's current projects and initiatives, especially the Transpennine Route Upgrade. Understanding their goals and challenges will help you tailor your discussions during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network Rail values strong leadership and cultural change. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or implemented safety and sustainability initiatives. This will showcase your ability to drive the necessary cultural shifts within the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Networking can provide insights into the company culture and expectations for the Health Safety & Environment Director role, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest health, safety, and environmental regulations relevant to the railway industry. Being knowledgeable about current legislation will not only prepare you for potential interview questions but also demonstrate your commitment to the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Health Safety & Environment Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in health, safety, and environmental management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and strategic thinking, particularly in complex environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for health and safety within the railway industry. Clearly outline how your qualifications align with the role's requirements, especially your understanding of the Health and Safety at Work Act and railway-specific regulations.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience: Emphasise any previous roles where you led teams or initiatives related to health, safety, and environmental performance. Highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and drive cultural change within an organisation.
Demonstrate Your Communication Skills: Since excellent report writing and presentation skills are essential for this role, include examples of reports or presentations you've created. This will showcase your ability to communicate complex information effectively to various audiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Health, Safety & Environment Director role. Familiarise yourself with Network Rail's Transpennine Route Upgrade programme and its objectives. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this is a senior position, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and past experiences in driving cultural change. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully influenced stakeholders and led teams in complex environments.
✨Demonstrate Industry Knowledge
Make sure you can discuss relevant health and safety regulations, particularly those specific to the railway industry. Being able to reference the Health and Safety at Work Act and other statutory provisions will show your expertise and preparedness for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world situations. Prepare examples of how you've managed risks or improved safety outcomes in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
