Overview
First Rail Consultancy seeks a highly experienced Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) professional to join the newly established Safety Function within the Railway Operations team. The role combines technical expertise with business development to strengthen client relationships, develop new markets, and establish First Rail Consultancy as a trusted provider of safety and competence management services across the rail industry. You will design, develop and implement competency management frameworks aligned with industry standards, regulatory requirements and best practice. You will lead the deployment of systems for recording, monitoring, assessment and management of competence to support safe operations and continuous improvement.
You will work with clients to deliver independent guidance on safety assurance, address challenges, mitigate risk and achieve sustainable outcomes. The role also focuses on growing consultancy revenue by identifying opportunities, developing innovative solutions and representing First Rail Consultancy at industry events and client engagements. The position collaborates with affiliate companies and wider group businesses to create integrated service offerings and growth opportunities across the rail sector. This is a 12-month Fixed Term Contract, with potential progression to a permanent role subject to utilisation and revenue criteria.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development, implementation and continual improvement of competence management frameworks, standards and assurance arrangements for clients in rail and transport sectors.
- Provide independent expert advice on competence management, operational safety, assurance, human factors and regulatory compliance.
- Undertake audits, assessments, reviews and assurance activities to evaluate the effectiveness of safety and competence management systems.
- Develop and implement competence assessment, training and development frameworks that support safe, compliant and high‑performing railway operations.
- Support clients in the development and deployment of digital systems for recording, managing and monitoring competence.
- Produce high‑quality reports and improvement plans with practical, evidence‑based solutions.
- Maintain knowledge of legislation, Rail Industry Standards, ORR guidance, RSSB standards and industry best practice.
- Build trusted client relationships and act as a recognised subject matter expert in operational competence and safety assurance.
- Lead and support consultancy commissions to ensure projects are delivered safely, effectively, on time and within budget.
- Identify organisational challenges, operational risks and improvement opportunities in collaboration with clients.
- Provide strategic and operational advice across railway operations, safety, competence and assurance activities.
- Support clients in preparing for regulatory inspections, audits and accreditation activities.
- Identify opportunities to expand services, develop innovative solutions and generate new revenue streams.
- Represent First Rail Consultancy at industry events, forums and client engagements to raise the profile of safety and operational capabilities.
- Collaborate with affiliate companies and wider group businesses to develop integrated service offerings.
- Support leadership to position First Rail Consultancy as a recognised leader in railway operations, competence management and safety assurance.
Qualifications and Experience
- Qualified Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) professional.
- Comprehensive knowledge of train working techniques, rules, instructions and Railway Group and Company Safety Standards.
- Knowledge of rules and regulations and regulatory bodies (e.g., RO G S).
- IOSH Managing Safety and NEBOSH Level 3 or equivalent.
- Risk Based Training Needs Assessment (RBTNA).
- Experience in developing competence frameworks and systems for recording and managing competence.
- Experience with IQA standardisation, audits, inspections and assurance across safety, operations and engineering environments.
- Experience supporting due diligence activities.
What We Can Offer
- Salary up to £75,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
- Minimum of 10% employer pension contribution and 5% employee contribution.
- 25 days holiday plus national bank holidays.
- Travel offers for Bus and Rail; Payroll Giving; shopping discounts and employee share schemes.
- Employee Assistance Helpline (free, confidential support).
- Additional benefits after 6 months of employment.
Who We Are Looking For
The successful applicant will be an experienced and qualified IQA professional with experience in a rail operating environment and an established profile within the rail industry.
Additional Information
FirstGroup plc welcomes applications from a diverse range of candidates and is committed to diversity and inclusion. We value differences and experience to help develop new services, enter new markets and broaden our customer base.
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