Senior Safety Consultant in London

We are looking for a Principal Safety Consultant to join our team. In this role you will lead safety engineering and assurance services for rail engineering projects, enhance safety protocols, mentor junior consultants, and contribute to the overall quality of projects. You will also support business development efforts and collaborate with clients on new rail product safety assurance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex rail safety engineering and assurance services to engineering projects, applying methods and tools aligned with key standards such as EN50126, EN50129, IEC 61508, and/or CSM-RA.
• Lead the bidding, winning, and successful delivery of commercially viable projects, collaborating with clients to understand objectives and desired outcomes.
• Contribute to a diverse range of projects, including safety assurance management, safety approvals, and CSM work for major infrastructure projects such as the National Train Control Centre in Dublin, Crewe Hub remodelling, and East Coast Mainline.
• Provide support to contractors in completing CSM and approvals for station works.
• Lead safety assurance for new rail products, including high‑speed points systems, axle counters, and other signalling systems.
• Work on global projects spanning Australia, the US, Canada, Asia and the Middle East, with the possibility to work from the UK without the necessity of travel.
• Demonstrate flexibility by effectively managing multiple activities and proactively balancing workload across different projects and customers.
• Lead interactive workshops with clients and stakeholders.

Key Competencies and Experience

• Experience delivering safety engineering and assurance services to rail projects, using standards such as EN50126, EN50129, IEC 61508, and/or CSM-RA.
• Background in risk management, systems engineering and/or safety engineering.
• Prior experience in major rail infrastructure projects is highly desirable, especially within the UK or consultancy sector.
• Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple activities and prioritise workload.
• Support business development by writing proposals, developing client relationships, and engaging with industry stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Experience in cyber security is a plus but not required for this role.

Benefits

• Work‑life balance: Hybrid working policy allows up to two days per week from home and collaboration in modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants from varied backgrounds and encourage authenticity and respect in the workplace.
• Health & Wellbeing: Thrive programme supports health improvements, Virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, gym discounts, and a menopause support package.
• Flex your time: “WSP My Hour” allows up to one hour per day for personal activities, with flexible make‑up options. Additional part‑time, flexible working, and paid‑leave options are available.
• Professional development: Training, mentoring and Chartership support foster ongoing growth.

EEO Statement

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.