Head of Operational Safety

Job Introduction

Are you ready to lead how safe railway operations are delivered every day? We’re seeking a Head of Operational Safety to join our Safety & Environment leadership team, based at our Head Office in London Bridge (hybrid working – 3 days on site).

As Southern continues its journey towards Great British Railways
, this role sits at the heart of our railway operation, acting as the Professional Head of Operations and ensuring our operational standards, competence and assurance activities keep our customers and colleagues safe.

Can you move people? Apply now.

In this role, your purpose is clear: to lead operational safety standards across Southern and ensure the safe delivery of train and station operations.

You’ll act as the company’s Professional Head of Operations, providing authoritative advice on Railway Group Standards, Rail Industry Standards and company instructions, ensuring consistency, compliance and continuous improvement.

You’ll oversee competence management systems for safety‑critical operational roles, lead operational assurance and audits, and review high‑level accident and incident investigations to ensure learning is embedded and risk is reduced.

Working closely with Train Services, Passenger Services, Engineering and Major Programmes teams, you’ll shape how operational safety supports change across infrastructure, rolling stock and signalling.

This is a role for someone who can set standards, influence at senior level without direct authority, and balance operational rigour with practical, real‑world delivery.

• Provide clear professional authority, team leadership and confident decision‑making.
• A trusted operational safety expert with deep knowledge of railway operations and standards (including train driving rules, instructions and Railway Group and Company Safety Standards).
• Understand competence and assurance – including assessment, verification and audit activity.
• Remain calm under pressure – able to lead during incidents and investigations.
• Influence with credibility – guiding senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Bring relevant safety and operational qualifications/competence, including:
• NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent
• Personal Track Safety (PTS)
• SE/WI/OPS/001 – Train Driving Management and Competence.
• Accident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis
• Use of Non-Technical Skills
• Level 3 Award in assessing (or working towards).
• Understand Network Rail‑controlled infrastructure and train operations.
• Railway operational experience is essential.

As proud members of the Armed Forces Covenant and Disability Confident Scheme, we will offer you an interview if you apply under these schemes and meet the minimum criteria for the role. Find out more here.

• Final salary pension.
• 25 days annual leave allowance (plus bank holidays).