We are seeking a Head of Operational Standards to drive safe and effective operations through robust, continuously improving standards, ensuring legal and industry compliance and a strong, risk‑based safety culture. The role will act as Professional Head of Operations, leading and governing the Safety Management System to ensure effective identification, control and continuous improvement of operational risk. This includes leading the Operational Standards team, with clear accountability for performance, assurance and continuous improvement, and strong engagement with operational delivery teams. Key Responsibilities Act as Professional Head of Operations, providing strategic leadership, technical authority, and ownership and governance of the Safety Management System (SMS). Lead the organisation’s operational safety strategy, setting KPIs and delivering measurable reductions in incidents through data‑led, best‑practice approaches supported by assurance and audit. Serve as the primary authority and external interface on operational safety, providing expert advice, leading regulatory engagement, and supporting incidents and investigations. Ensure compliance with legislation, industry standards and ACOPs, embedding proactive, risk‑based operational standards, human factors, competence management and controlled SMS elements. Oversee the development and application of quantitative risk assessments to support consistent, high‑quality operational and strategic decision‑making. Influence and challenge operational leaders to embed safety standards and continuous improvement into day‑to‑day operational decisions. Skills, Knowledge & Expertise Ability to lead and manage a small but important team of operational safety experts, driving high performance, accountability and professional standards Ability to plan, organise and deploy strategies for the reduction of operational safety risk, using data and trend analysis. Knowledge of rail industry processes for the management of operational safety standards, including SMS regulatory frameworks and assurance models Significant experience in rail operations and safety leadership roles Job Benefits Competitive depending on experience. A defined benefit pension from day 1 – one of the best in the UK. Free travel on all London Northwestern and West Midlands Railway services for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents. 75% off all other train operating companies for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents. 8 Friends and Family Day passes to gift per annum on our network. A 24/7 Virtual GP service for you and your household. Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)- A confidential employee benefit that supports you with personal or work-related issues affecting your home life, work life, health, or wellbeing Our cycle to work scheme with Evans Cycles. A retail discount portal- offering savings, discounts and cashback at over 800 retailers and restaurants.