Managing Consultant - Safety Leadership and Governance Specialist

Overview

First Rail is one of the most experienced rail operators in the UK, operating multiple contracted, open access and associated transport services. We are part of FirstGroup and provide specialist support across Engineering, Finance, Property, Operations, Procurement, IT and Human Resources within the rail division. This role is a pivotal leadership position within First Rail Consultancy, responsible for establishing and growing a recognised, market-leading safety practice across the rail and wider transport sectors.

Role purpose

The role provides strategic leadership for the consultancy's safety function, advising the Rail Operations Practice Director and leadership team on all safety-related matters. It drives the development of our external market presence, builds trusted relationships with clients and industry stakeholders, identifies and secures new business opportunities, and shapes bids and tenders to grow the consultancy. The postholder will enhance safety capability across the wider consultancy team and deliver high-quality safety advice on client assignments to improve performance, manage risk and achieve sustainable outcomes. You will act as a trusted adviser and advocate for best practice, innovation and continual improvement in safety management across the rail industry. This is a 12-month Fixed Term Contract, with potential progression to a permanent role subject to utilisation and revenue criteria.

Responsibilities

• Safety Leadership and Practice Development: Lead and develop the First Rail Consultancy Safety Function, set strategic direction, and ensure delivery of high-quality safety consultancy services. Act as the senior safety authority for the consultancy and provide guidance to the Rail Operations Practice Director and leadership team. Monitor emerging industry trends, legislation, standards and best practice to keep services innovative, relevant and market leading. Develop, maintain and enhance methodologies, tools and intellectual property related to safety management and assurance.
• Business Development and Market Growth: Identify, pursue and convert new business opportunities across rail and related transport markets. Build and maintain strong client relationships and position First Rail Consultancy as a trusted provider of safety expertise. Lead bid and tender submissions that present compelling safety solutions, and represent the consultancy at industry events to raise visibility.
• Capability Development: Develop and deliver training, coaching and mentoring to enhance safety capability across the team. Support consultants' professional development through knowledge sharing, technical guidance and project-based learning. Foster a culture of continual improvement and collaboration in safety across the business.
• Consultancy Delivery: Provide specialist technical leadership on complex client assignments and deliver practical, proportionate safety solutions that align with client objectives. Act as a trusted adviser, offering independent challenge to improve safety performance and organisational capability. Ensure outputs meet high standards of quality and professionalism.
• People Leadership: Lead, coach and support direct reports, contributing to a high-performing and engaged team, and promote the consultancy's values and commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for clients.

Who we are looking for

The successful candidate will be an experienced Safety Leader with operational and occupational safety experience in a rail operating environment and an established profile within the rail industry. A relevant professional body membership, preferably chartered, is desirable.

Skills and Experience

• Experience of leading safety, competence management, training or assurance, ideally within the rail industry
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong influencing skills and ability to engage others in a shared objective
• Ability to prioritise workload
• Safety Management System (SMS) appraisal and development
• Standards alignment; Operational and occupational risk management
• Hazard Identification (HAZID) facilitation; Incident analysis and learning
• Competence development and management; Risk-Based Training Needs Analysis (RBTNA)
• Audit, Inspections and Assurance
• Business Development

What we offer

• Salary up to £110k per annum, dependent on experience
• Minimum of 10% pension contribution (5% employer and 5% employee)
• 25 days holiday plus national bank holidays
• Travel offers for Bus and Rail; Payroll Giving; shopping discounts and employee share schemes
• Employee Assistance Helpline - confidential support service
• Benefits apply after 6 months of employment

Diversity and inclusion

FirstGroup plc welcomes applications from a diverse range of candidates regardless of background, gender, race, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation or age. We aspire to be a diverse and inclusive organisation and value differences and collective knowledge to better serve customers and communities.