Network Rail
Principal Operations Safety Specialist
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Who We Are
Vacancy Details
Duration: Permanent
Location: This role is based in Milton Keynes and other locations will be considered such as: London, Manchester, Derby, and Birmingham.
Salary: Band 2B, £71,163 - £86,801
Contact: If you require any support with your application, please click here for contact details.
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. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
Some Of Our Great Benefits
- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.
- Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
- Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
- 75% subsidy on train tickets.
- Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
- Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
Plus more....
About The Role
What does the average day look like?
No two days are the same. One day could involve:
- Reviewing operational safety performance
- Leading discussions on risk mitigation strategies and overseeing the closure of recommendations arising from investigations or audits
- Engaging with industry stakeholders
- Influencing future policy development
- Supporting improvements to operational and level crossing risk management processes
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You will work closely with colleagues across Network Rail, the System Operator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the Department for Transport (DfT), and wider industry partners, helping to shape safety standards and promote consistent approaches to risk management.
A key part of the role involves translating complex operational and safety risks into practical actions, ensuring lessons are learned and safety improvements are delivered effectively across the network.
A Little Bit About The Team...
You will join a specialist team responsible for providing technical leadership and strategic direction across operational safety and public safety disciplines. The team works at the heart of Network Rail's safety function, supporting the development of standards, risk management frameworks, and industry-leading safety initiatives.
Working closely with operational teams, technical authorities, regulators, and external stakeholders, the team plays a vital role in reducing operational and public risk while driving continuous improvement across the railway network. Collaboration, professional expertise, and innovation are central to the team's success, creating an environment where individuals can make a genuine impact on railway safety.
This is an opportunity to work within a highly respected team whose work influences safety performance across the entire industry.
Next Steps
- CV shortlisting will take place after the advert closes, with interviews planned from the week commencing 21st September, subject to business needs.
- Early applications are encouraged, as we may close the advert early due to high application volumes.
We encourage you to review our Safety Vision, as safety is an important part of the culture at Network Rail.
All external offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information.
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Who are we looking for?
We are looking for an experienced safety professional with a strong background in operational safety and risk management within a rail or safety-critical environment.
You will have experience developing and implementing safety strategies, driving improvement programmes, and influencing positive safety outcomes through effective leadership and stakeholder engagement. A detailed understanding of operational safety principles, level crossing risk management, and safety assurance processes will be essential.
The ideal candidate will be comfortable working at a strategic level, building credibility with senior leaders, regulators, and industry partners while providing expert advice on complex safety matters. Strong analytical, communication, and influencing skills will enable you to translate technical risks into clear and effective recommendations.
Essential Criteria
- Degree or equivalent experience in a Health and Safety or Transport Operations related subject
- Experience shaping strategic Safety or Operations within a rail or safety-critical environment, including risk management, incident learning, or assurance activities. Experience of developing strategic improvement plans and delivering tangible improvements in a safety-critical or operational/railway industry
- Strong understanding of Operational and Level crossing strategy and risk management principles
- Proven experience of level crossing risk management and expertise in the All-Level Crossing Risk Model (ALCRM) and Signal Overrun Risk Assessment Tool (SORAT)
Desirable
- Formal project management qualification
- Understanding of specific risk analysis tools (such as bow-ties) in identifying risk controls
- Experience of working within a railway, construction, or similar environment
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