Senior Safety Consultant

WSP in the UK & Ireland; York and North Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Thrive programme

Gymflex benefits

Menopause support package

Job summary

WSP seeks a Principal Safety Consultant to lead safety engineering on rail projects, mentor junior staff, and drive risk-based safety improvements. You will influence safety protocols, risk assessments, and project quality while guiding multidisciplinary teams.

Ideal candidates have UK rail project experience, strong leadership, and a track record in safety assurance and client engagement within a consultancy environment.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering safety engineering and assurance on rail projects.
• Background in risk management, systems engineering, or safety engineering.
• Prior rail infrastructure project experience, UK/consultancy preferred.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex rail safety engineering and assurance services to projects using EN50126/29, IEC 61508 and CSM-RA.
• Lead bidding, winning and delivery of complex projects with client collaboration.
• Support safety assurance for new rail products and major infrastructure works.
• Mentor junior consultants and lead workshops with clients and stakeholders.
• Work across global projects with UK-based contribution and limited travel.

Skills

Safety engineering

Risk management

Systems engineering

Rail project experience

Leadership

Communication

Tools

EN50126/EN50129

IEC 61508

CSM-RA

Job description

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

Ricardo is now a member of WSP. As we complete our integration, you may see references to both WSP and Ricardo during the application and interview process.

The Role

We are looking for a Principal Safety Consultant to join our team. If you are aiming to progress in your career and embrace a leadership position, this is a great opportunity for you. In this role, you will play an important role in leading safety engineering and assurance services to a range of rail engineering projects. Your expertise and insights will directly contribute to the enhancement of safety protocols, risk assessment methodologies, and overall project quality. This role not only offers you the chance to further your technical knowledge in rail safety but also to mentor and guide junior consultants, sharing your wealth of experience to foster their growth. It's a unique chance to exhibit your leadership qualities while expanding your skill set in a collaborative and innovative environment. Applicants with varying levels of experience in the listed capabilities are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading complex rail safety engineering and assurance services to engineering projects, applying methods and tools aligned with key standards such as EN50126, EN50129, IEC 61508, and/or CSM-RA.
• Leading the bidding, winning, and successful delivery of complexed commercially viable projects, collaborating with clients to understand their objectives and desired outcomes for each project.
• Contributing to a diverse range of exciting projects, including safety assurance management, safety approvals, and CSM work for major infrastructure projects such as the National Train Control Centre in Dublin, Crewe Hub remodelling, and East Coast Mainline.
• Providing support to contractors in completing CSM and approvals for station works.
• Leading in safety assurance for new rail products, including high-speed points systems, axle counters, and other signalling systems.
• Working on global projects spanning Australia, the US, Canada, Asia and the Middle East. You can contribute to these projects from the UK, without the necessity of travel.
• Demonstrating flexibility by effectively managing multiple activities and proactively balancing workload across different projects and customers.
• Leading interactive workshops with clients and stakeholders.

Key Competencies And Experience

• Experience in delivering safety engineering and assurance services to rail projects, utilising methods and tools aligned with standards such as EN50126, EN50129, IEC 61508, and/or CSM-RA.
• Background in risk management, systems engineering and/or safety engineering.
• Prior experience in major rail infrastructure projects is highly desirable, especially if gained within the UK or consultancy sector.
• Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple activities and proactively prioritise workload.
• Support business development efforts by writing proposals, developing client relationships, and engaging with industry stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• If you have experience in cyber security, we’d be keen to hear from you and explore opportunities. This skill is not pertinent to this role.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.