Vacancies

Safety and Assurance Manager

Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.

The Metro team is a new team dedicated to ensuring our delivery partners design, construct, operate and maintain an expanding West Midlands Metro. The Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) Metro comprises a dedicated team of engineering, operations and asset management specialists who have responsibility for the West Midlands Metro asset on behalf of West Midlands Combined Authority. Working in close collaboration with Midland Metro Alliance (MMA) and Midland Metro Limited (MML), our team is committed to developing, designing, and constructing extensions across the region and ensuring the West Midlands Metro asset is managed correctly and maintenance activities undertaken to the required standard. Our mission is to contribute to creating a happier, healthier, and more connected West Midlands.

Our Metro team is seeking an experienced Safety and Assurance Manager to establish and deliver robust monitoring arrangements of MML as operator and maintainer of the West Midlands Metro asset. You will also ensure our delivery partner the MMA and others are delivering design and construction activities in a safe manner and that ‘safe by design’ is embedded in their activities. In this role, you will take charge of managing and continuously updating our Safety Management System relevant to Metro, ensuring full compliance with legislation, including The Railway and Other Guided Transport Systems Regulations (ROGS). Not only will you carry out process audits and engage with MMA and MML to ensure that they are carrying out their work in accordance with legislation, best practice and in line with relevant processes, but you will hire two new recruits who will be crucial in supporting you and the rest of the team to ensure that as West Midlands Metro owner we have the required level of oversight of the Metro asset.

With around £1.3bn being invested in extending the tram system across the West Midlands, this is an unprecedented light rail infrastructure project to help deliver a lasting legacy that will enable social and economic regeneration across the region. We need someone who has experience of working in light/heavy rail, is process driven and has a background in developing and managing safety management systems.

What will you be doing?

Ensure MML operations and MMA delivery are working according to industry best practice principles.
Work collaboratively with Midland Metro Limited (MML) and WMCA’s Health and Safety Managers.
Ensure Safety Verification is carried out.
Ensure the MMA follow ‘Safe By Design’ principles in the design of the extensions.
Lead investigations into Metro safety incidents for any incidents where WMCA was the procuring organisation or WMCA staff were involved.
Develop and manage regular audits of the MMA and MML Safety Management Systems.
Manage and develop audits of key processes.
Work with the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board.
Report WMM safety performance to WMCA Board, WMCA Safety Forum.

About you.

Significant experience of working within the UKs railway safety regime and practical experience of working under The Railway and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006 (ROGS).
Demonstrable experience of developing and updating Safety Management Systems for rail systems.
Demonstrable experience in risk management.
Experience of carrying out audits and developing audit schedules covering the audit of Safety Management Systems and railway processes.
Ability to compile clear and concise technical and non-technical reports for a range of audiences.
Experience of working effectively as part of a team and an equal ability to work effectively on own initiative, without close supervision.
Demonstrable experience of building relationships with and working effectively with contracted suppliers of services.
Methodical approach to implementing processes, procedures and practices.
Qualified to NEBOSH General Certificate level or equivalent.
IOSH Membership – minimum level TechIOSH.

How to apply.

On clicking ‘apply for this job’, you will first be prompted to create an account. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV, which will be used to auto-populate your profile. Please note, we do not see your CV once you have applied. Our shortlisting decisions are based on what you tell us in your profile - and so it is important to format your profile so that it really stands out. Make sure to include your employment history and include any essential education and qualifications. You will be asked to provide a supporting statement. If you already have one that you have prepared earlier, you can simply copy and paste this into the application form.

Applicants will need to evidence that they have the legal right to work in the UK. If we make an offer of employment, we will need to check that you are eligible to work in the UK before you start work.

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a Local Government Pension Scheme, 28 days of paid annual leave, Cycle to Work Scheme, and discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers. For more details, please visit the benefits page on our careers site.

Hybrid working, location and working pattern.

We believe hybrid working is the best way for our organisation to fulfil our commitment to a modern, agile workplace while continuing to provide a great service to our customers. Hybrid working means having flexibility between working in the office and at home on agreed days, where a role allows. This is agreed between an employee and their line manager, considering the business, team, and employee needs.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane and Wednesbury depot. It is expected that you can split your time between the office and working remotely, with at least 3 days a week spent in the office.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

Our vision is to create a better connected, more prosperous, fairer, greener, and healthier region. We aim to achieve this vision by living our values, which include being a partnership organisation, valuing and respecting our people, fostering a can-do attitude, and encouraging innovation. We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as "Leaders in Diversity," and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We are also a Disability Confident Employer, committed to interviewing all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential role criteria. WMCA believes that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying. If your values align with ours and you are dedicated to working towards a future that we can all be proud of, we would love to hear from you.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk). We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Thank you for considering joining our team at WMCA. We look forward to receiving your application and the opportunity to work together towards our shared goals.