Health Safety & Environment Director

Job title: Health Safety & Environment Director

Company: Network Rail


Job description: Transpennine Route Upgrade, known as TRU, is a multi-billion-pound programme transforming the Transpennine main line between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. Spanning 70 miles and serving 23 stations, the programme will deliver more frequent, faster, greener trains and improved reliability.This ambitious upgrade includes extensive work across bridges, tunnels, stations and level crossings and is delivered in close collaboration with Transpennine Express, Northern, freight operators, regional authorities, and a complex supply chain. Our goal is to modernise this key route while keeping passengers moving and minimising disruption-delivering long-term benefits to communities and businesses across the region.Brief DescriptionAbout the role:This is a strategic role, central to TRU’s success. As Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Director, you will shape and steer the overarching strategy for safety, quality, and environmental performance across the entire TRU programme. This role can be based in either our Manchester, Leeds or York office and extensive travel is a requirement of this role.You will lead on setting direction, influencing senior stakeholders, and embedding a strong safety and sustainability culture through clear vision, governance, and assurance. Operating at a strategic level, you will work across TRU’s delivery organisations to drive alignment, elevate standards, and support the safe, sustainable, and first-in-class delivery of the programme. Your leadership will ensure Health, Safety, and Environmental priorities are embedded in programme governance, risk management, and decision-making at the highest levels.Key Accountabilities:Shape and Lead Health, Safety, Quality and Environment Strategy Across TRU· Lead the development, implementation, and continuous refinement of TRU’s vision and strategy for health, safety, quality, environment, and sustainability.· Ensure strategic alignment with TRU programme objectives and work collaboratively with TRU directors and delivery partners.Drive Cultural and Leadership Change· Lead the delivery of TRU’s safety and sustainability leadership and culture change programmes to embed a ‘Safety First’ mindset and drive improved performance.· Influence and embed the cultural and behavioural shifts required to support TRU’s strategic goals.· Build capability by leading the development of safety competencies and frameworks across the workforce.Provide Strategic Assurance and Governance· Provide assurance to the TRU Managing Director and senior leadership on legal compliance and the management of health, safety, environmental and social risks.· Implement and maintain effective governance and oversight, aligned with the Network Rail Management System and other regulatory requirements.Lead Risk Management and Regulatory Engagement· Oversee the identification, monitoring, and control of key HSE risks across the programme, advising leadership on effectiveness and escalation where needed.· Act as the Designated Competent Person (DCP) for incidents, oversee investigations, and ensure lessons are captured and embedded across TRU.· Engage proactively with the Technical Authority, ORR, trade unions, customers, and delivery partners on all HSE matters.Champion Passenger and Workforce Safety· Lead the development and delivery of strategies to improve safety outcomes for passengers, the public, and the workforce across operational railway and managed stations.· Promote continuous improvement through risk-based monitoring, independent review panels, and structured feedback loops.Embed Quality, Environmental and Sustainability Standards· Ensure the integration of environmental, sustainability and quality objectives within TRU’s broader delivery plans.· Oversee assurance activities to meet environmental obligations, improve biodiversity, reduce carbon, and support long-term social value.About the role (External)Essential:· Member of the institution of Occupational Safety and Health with Chartered status· NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent qualification· Able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the Health and Safety at Work Act and relevant statutory provisions, including railway-specific regulations, and the company health and safety management system.· Competent in managing safety, occupational health, and sustainability matters.· Proven successful experience in the strategic management of complex system risk.· Exceptional interpersonal skills, possessing the ability to interact and maintain credibility with people at all levels across the business and industry stakeholders.· Previous successful significant experience in a senior management role and experience of working on a major programme· Successful experience of leading teams in a complex, dynamic environment· Detailed understanding of health, safety, quality, environment and sustainability, and the mitigation plans required for business benefit.· Able to demonstrate understanding of quality management systems.· Demonstrable strong influencing and leadership skills· Demonstrable excellent report writing and presentation skills.· Able to demonstrate sound knowledge of railway industry.Desirable· An understanding of the company performance regime and financial systemsHow to apply (External)Duration: PermanentClosing date: 29/08/2025.Location: This role can be based in the following locations: Manchester, Leeds, or York.This role is a full-time opportunity, and this role requires extensive travel.Join Network Rail – Where People and Connections MatterAt 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.We’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments 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.If you’re ready to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you!Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision.You can visit for advice on accessibility support if you’re unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.Network Rail Benefits –All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. . If you have any questions about this role, or require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please contact

Expected salary:

Location: Manchester

Job date: Thu, 07 Aug 2025 05:34:40 GMT

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