Operational Standards and Compliance Manager (Professional Head of Operational Standards)

Abellio East Midlands Ltd.; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional transport operator based in the East Midlands is seeking an Operational Standards and Compliance Manager to ensure safety and compliance across operations. This role involves leading risk assurance and audit programs, maintaining operational procedures, and representing the company at industry forums. Ideal candidates will have a strong safety management background and experience in the UK rail industry. The position offers excellent benefits including a pension scheme, holiday entitlement, and flexible working options.

Benefits

Excellent defined benefit pension scheme

32 days' holiday (rising to 34 after 2 years)

Flexible working hours

Free First Class duty travel on EMR

Free and discounted leisure travel for family and dependants

Generous national rail travel discounts

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant experience in operational standards and safety leadership in a safety-critical environment.
• Strong background in operational change and risk management.
• Thorough knowledge of relevant legislation and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee audit, assurance and risk activities.
• Lead the Operational Risk Assurance and audit programme.
• Manage and maintain SMS operational procedures.

Skills

Operational safety leadership

Risk management

Safety management

Communication skills

Influencing skills

Job description

Operational Standards and Compliance Manager (Professional Head of Operational Standards)

Location: Derby - Head Office

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: circa. £64,896

Closing Date: Friday 19 December 2025

Reference: OSCM-26

We are proud to be One Team at East Midlands Railway (EMR). We are passionate about keeping people safe, delighting our customers, doing the right thing and putting customers at the heart of our sustainable railway for the East Midlands. With over 2,600 employees, our people are the reason we are so successful. Nine times accredited as a Top Employer, we value our people and are dedicated to making sure that everybody feels empowered to bring their authentic self to work.

At East Midlands Railway (EMR), we are proud to serve over 30 million passengers every year - and none of it would be possible without the dedication and expertise of our people. We are now seeking a Operational Standards and Compliance Manager to join our Safety team, based in Derby.

At EMR we want to proactively embrace diversity across our workforce and recognise that we are under‑represented in terms of females and ethnic minority groups. We're therefore taking positive steps to promote a positive and inclusive culture; we welcome applications from those that identify with these groups to better represent our communities.

The Role

We're looking for an Operational Standards and Compliance Manager (Professional Head of Operational Standards) to play a lead role in maintaining and enhancing the safety and compliance of EMR's operations. You will ensure our Safety Management System (SMS) meets all industry standards and legislation, provide expert operational safety leadership, and oversee audit, assurance and risk activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Professional Head of Operational Safety, providing expert guidance across the safety validation process.
• Lead the Operational Risk Assurance and audit programme, identifying non‑compliance and driving corrective actions.
• Oversee assurance of operational Competence Management System arrangements and Train Driver licensing compliance.
• Manage and maintain SMS operational procedures, ensuring updates reflect current practices, legislation and industry standards.
• Own the EMR Compliance Register and ensure all changes are communicated and implemented effectively.
• Represent EMR at Network Rail and industry forums, identifying risks, opportunities and emerging standards.

About You

• Significant experience in operational standards and safety leadership within a safety‑critical environment, preferably the UK rail industry.
• Strong background in operational change and risk management.
• Excellent safety management, communication and influencing skills.
• Thorough knowledge of relevant legislation and industry standards.
• Understanding of EMR routes and traction types is advantageous.

What We Offer

• Excellent defined benefit pension scheme
• 32 days' holiday (rising to 34 after 2 years)
• Flexible working hours
• Free First Class duty travel on EMR
• Free and discounted leisure travel for you, family and dependants
• Generous national rail travel discounts
• Training and development opportunities
• Access to employee benefits and discount schemes

How to Apply

Complete the online application and upload your CV. Please remove personal details (including your name) as we operate a blind screening process.