At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational safety standards and ensure safe train and station operations.
- Company: Join a leading railway company committed to safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Final salary pension, 25 days annual leave, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on railway safety and influence change at a senior level.
- Qualifications: Expertise in railway operations, safety standards, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Are you ready to lead how safe railway operations are delivered every day? We’re seeking a Head of Operational Safety to join our Safety & Environment leadership team, based at our Head Office in London Bridge (hybrid working – 3 days on site). As Southern continues its journey towards Great British Railways, this role sits at the heart of our railway operation, acting as the Professional Head of Operations and ensuring our operational standards, competence and assurance activities keep our customers and colleagues safe.
What you’ll do:
- Lead operational safety standards across Southern and ensure the safe delivery of train and station operations.
- Act as the company’s Professional Head of Operations, providing authoritative advice on Railway Group Standards, Rail Industry Standards and company instructions, ensuring consistency, compliance and continuous improvement.
- Oversee competence management systems for safety‑critical operational roles, lead operational assurance and audits, and review high‑level accident and incident investigations to ensure learning is embedded and risk is reduced.
- Work closely with Train Services, Passenger Services, Engineering and Major Programmes teams to shape how operational safety supports change across infrastructure, rolling stock and signalling.
This is a role for someone who can set standards, influence at senior level without direct authority, and balance operational rigour with practical, real‑world delivery.
The experience you’ll need:
- Provide clear professional authority, team leadership and confident decision‑making.
- A trusted operational safety expert with deep knowledge of railway operations and standards (including train driving rules, instructions and Railway Group and Company Safety Standards).
- Understand competence and assurance – including assessment, verification and audit activity.
- Remain calm under pressure – able to lead during incidents and investigations.
- Influence with credibility – guiding senior leaders and external stakeholders.
- Bring relevant safety and operational qualifications/competence, including: NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent, Personal Track Safety (PTS), SE/WI/OPS/001 – Train Driving Management and Competence, Accident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis, Use of Non-Technical Skills Level 3 Award in assessing (or working towards).
- Understand Network Rail‑controlled infrastructure and train operations.
- Railway operational experience is essential.
As proud members of the Armed Forces Covenant and Disability Confident Scheme, we will offer you an interview if you apply under these schemes and meet the minimum criteria for the role.
Benefits:
- Final salary pension.
- 25 days annual leave allowance (plus bank holidays).
Head of Operational Safety employer: South Eastern Railway
At Southern, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises safety and collaboration. Based in the vibrant London Bridge area, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while ensuring our team members are at the forefront of railway operations. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities and support for professional development, making this an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the railway industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operational Safety
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operational Safety
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at South Eastern Railway, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at South Eastern Railway and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into South Eastern Railway. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Eastern Railway
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at South Eastern Railway.
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In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to South Eastern Railway.
