Light Rail Safety and Assurance Manager in Sheffield

Application Deadline: 4 August 2026

Department: Public Transport Operations

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Reporting To: Head of Light Rail

Compensation: £55,949 - £59,907 / year

Hours: 37 hours

Contract: Permanent - Full Time

Salary: Grade 12 £55,949 - £59,907

This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.

We’re looking for an experienced safety professional to lead safety governance, assurance and continuous improvement across South Yorkshire’s light rail network. This is a key role ensuring the Supertram system is operated, maintained, renewed and enhanced safely, providing assurance that SYMCA is meeting its legal obligations as system owner and driving a strong safety culture within SYMCA and our supply chain partners.

Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter/personal statement to detail how you meet the criteria as detailed within the role profile. Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal.

About the role:

• You will lead the development and management of SYMCA’s Light Rail Safety Management System, ensuring full compliance with statutory requirements and industry standards.
• You’ll oversee safety assurance and audit activity, working closely with the tramway operating company—who deliver day‑to‑day operations on our behalf—and with contractors delivering multi‑million‑pound investment across the network.
• You will support major projects with expert safety input throughout the lifecycle, represent SYMCA to the regulator and industry bodies, prepare high‑quality safety reports, and act as SYMCA’s Nominated Security Contact with the Department for Transport.

About you:

• You’ll bring strong technical safety expertise, excellent communication skills and the confidence to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• We’re looking for someone with:
• NEBOSH General Certificate (essential); NEBOSH Diploma (desirable)
• Degree‑level education or equivalent experience
• TechIOSH membership (minimum)
• Experience developing and managing a Safety Management System
• Strong audit and assurance experience
• Understanding of legislation including the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and the Railways and Other Guided Systems regulations (2006)
• Ability to manage and influence suppliers, contractors and partners
• Confidence representing SYMCA to external bodies such as the ORR and LRSSB
• A collaborative, professional and improvement‑focused approach aligned to SYMCA values

Please see the attached role profile for further detail of the criteria for this role.

Benefits:

• All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference.
• Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well‑placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities.
• Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.
• Holiday Entitlement – From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro‑rata for part‑time colleagues.
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to your normal annual leave.
• Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time.
• Flexible Hours Scheme – Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi‑Scheme which allows office‑based employees’ flexibility and discretion over their working hours.
• Rewarding You – Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle‑to‑Work schemes.
• Training on the job – Support with upskilling skills through on‑the‑job training and qualifications.
• Professional Membership Fees – Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.

Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority:

Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief.

All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment as such all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements. Where candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please contact recruitment@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk or include within your application form detailing the adjustment and how it will assist in managing any barriers.