About DFT Operator

DfT Operator (DFTO) is the public sector rail Owning Group with responsibility for all train operating companies (TOC's) as they transfer into public ownership. It is a publicly owned company established by the Department for Transport in 2018.

Our ambition is to deliver safe, secure and sustainable transport to everyone, everywhere. At the heart of this promise is improving journeys and providing customers with an excellent service, while supporting the industry to build a more passenger-focused railway.

We currently have four train operators: London North Eastern Railway (LNER) - Northern - Southeastern - TransPennine Express (TPE), delivering four and a half thousand services a day, and 300 million customer journeys across our network every year. Over the next 3 years, we will complete the transfer of all passenger services operated under contracts with the Department for Transport (DfT).

Our vision is to unify and strengthen train operators under the DFTO banner. By working collaboratively, we aim to become industry-leading in safety, customer service, financial and operational performance.

About the role

The Group Safety, Security, Health and Environment Director will lead the oversight of Department for Transport Operator’s (DfTO’s) Train Operating Company management of safety, security, health and environment compliance matters, on behalf of the Training Operating Company (TOC) Boards and DfTO Board.

Represent DfTO on safety matters in industry forums, with Department for Transport (DfT) and Office for Rail and Road (ORR), as DfTO grows and the industry evolves into Great British Railways.

PLEASE NOTE: This opportunity is available on either a permanent or secondment basis. Should anyone be applying for a secondment please ensure you notify your line manager prior to applying for the opportunity.

Who will we be looking for?

The core competencies for the role will include:

• Deep understanding and experience of the railway industry safety management framework, obligations, risk management and procedures.
• Experience and understanding of current railway industry structure, in particular the safety responsibilities of TOCs, Network Rail, ORR, train maintainers and contractors.
• Experience and skills to effectively chair meetings of experienced railway executives on safety matters.
• Management and advocacy of major organisational change as the industry ownership and structure is reformed.
• Ability to engage with all levels of the rail industry, listen and lead effectively to help others succeed in their roles.

Key Responsibilities

• Chair all DfTO TOC quarterly Safety, Security, Health and Environment Committees and report highlights to TOC and DfTO Boards.
• Set leadership objectives, targets and prioritised interventions informed by safety data, trends, risks and opportunities from across the industry
• Provide executive leadership to guide DfTO’s train operations to continue to operate safely and compliantly during a period of significant change.
• Co-ordinate Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) plans, targets, compliance and SHE audit and assurance across the group
• Drive the evolution of the safety management systems as part of the mobilisation plan towards Great British Railways and influence key stakeholders to implement necessary changes effectively in readiness for Great British Railways.
• To be the point of contact at a Group level for ORR, DfT and RSSB on safety matters in order to support industry reform as it moves into a delivery phase
• Lead and organise the annual Group Safety, Security, Health and Environment conference
• As more TOCs join DfTO and DfTO’s role evolves adapt leadership and engagement to reflect the company’s emerging responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications

• Recent experience as an executive in a train operating company, Network Rail or similar, as a company board member or attending company board meetings.
• Professionally qualified as a railway operator (IRO), safety professional (IOSH) or railway engineer.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance, risk management and statutory regulations
• Knowledge of The Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006 (ROGS), subsequent amendments and other associated legislation and regulations
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and experience in using data to drive and lead decisions
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels

Vacancy Details

Duration: Permanent

Location: London Waterloo - This role will require extensive travelling across England on a regular basis (Manchester/York/London) and regular attendace at the London Waterloo office.

Salary: Six Figure Package

Benefits

Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days)

DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution

Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry

For further information or any questions please contact Rakhi Jethwa in the first instance: [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE: This opportunity is available on either a Permanent or secondment basis. Should anyone be applying for a secondment please ensure you notify your line manager prior to applying for the opportunity.

About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.

Disclaimer: Candidates applying for this position on a secondment basis must inform their line manager prior to submitting their application. This is to ensure transparency and facilitate any necessary discussions regarding workload and responsibilities.