Head of Operational Safety & Standards

Job Description

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Safety & Environment
SALARY: £75,000 - £82,824 (plus on-call allowance) / Grade: Executive
ROLE TYPE: Permanent
LOCATION: York/Leeds/Manchester
HOURS: 37 per week

Every safe, reliable journey starts with strong standards for our operations functions behind the scenes. The kind that keep things running smoothly, even when the unexpected happens.

As a key part of our Safety and Environment team at Northern, you’d take on a key leadership role shaping how operational safety and competency for our Operational community is delivered across the business. As our Head of Operational Safety & Standards, you’ll set the tone for how standards are developed, applied, and continuously

improved – making sure safety isn’t just a requirement, but a shared mindset.

Working closely with the Safety and Environment Director, you’ll influence decisions at the highest level while supporting teams across the network. It’s a role that combines strategy, leadership, stakeholder influence and hands-on expertise, with a clear purpose – keeping our people and customers safe, every single day.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll lead how operational safety works across Northern, making sure standards are clear, effective, and embedded into everyday decisions. That includes:

• Acting as Professional Head of Operational Standards, setting direction for operational safety and standards
• Driving a Just Culture across the business and working with our Operations Director and teams to deliver Operational Excellence
• Leading and supporting a team focused on consistent, high-quality operational safety practices
• Developing and delivering the annual operational safety plan, aligned with wider business goals
• Reviewing and implementing safety standards and legislation to ensure full compliance
• Building a strong safety culture where learning, accountability, and improvement go hand in hand
• Overseeing an operational safety audit programme to measure how well systems are working
• Analysing safety performance data to spot trends and drive meaningful change
• Leading investigations into significant incidents and sharing lessons learned across the business
• Working closely with industry partners, regulators, and stakeholders to share best practice
• Supporting operational strategies to reduce incidents such as SPADs (signals passed at danger)
• Representing Northern at Industry meetings relating to operational safety and standards
• Acting as a trusted advisor to leaders across Northern
• Stepping in for the Safety and Environment Director when needed

About you

You know how to turn standards into something that works in the real world – clear, practical, and effective.

You’ll bring leadership experience, strong technical knowledge, and the ability to influence at every level. Alongside that:

• A recognised safety qualification such as a NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) certificate, or working towards it
• Significant experience in operational safety, ideally within a complex rail safety-focused environment including previous Driver Competence
• A strong understanding of safety legislation, standards, and management systems
• Experience leading teams and building capability in others
• Confidence using data and insight to improve safety performance
• Excellent internal and external stakeholder engagement experience
• The ability to balance safety, practicality, and operational needs

Experience in a safety-critical environment and your ability to lead, influence, and make a difference will be key to this role.

What’s in it for you?

At Northern, we don’t just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:

Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.

Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.

Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.

Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.

Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plugin hybrid car.

Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.

Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.

Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.

Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.

Why Northern?

We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,650 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.

Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We’ve recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.

A place for everyone

The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.

At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B - we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We're also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.

We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.

No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.