Lead Safety Critical Operative

Story Contracting Limited; Temple (TX); On-site; USD 29,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Story Contracting Limited in Temple, United Kingdom, is looking for a Lead Safety Critical Operative to support safe delivery of rail projects by performing Engineering Supervisor (ES) and Controller of Site Safety (COSS) duties. You will plan and implement safe systems of work and lead safety-critical behaviours across schemes.

You will act as the appointed Person in Charge (PIC) on live schemes when required, ensuring NR/L2/OHS/019 compliant planning, readiness, and briefing materials, while

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as Controller of Site Safety (COSS) and Engineering Supervisor (ES).
• Experience with OTP, OTM and engineering train operations.
• Strong knowledge of rail safety standards and safe systems of work.
• Demonstrates safety behaviours and leads by example on site.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills; proactive in planning and assurance.
• Full driving licence held.

Responsibilities

• Undertake ES duties across midweek and weekend possessions.
• Undertake COSS duties across live rail projects.
• Act as PIC and support Safe Work Pack planning per NR/L2/OHS/019.
• Prepare readiness documentation, safety plans and briefing materials.
• Carry out site familiarisation to verify access and hazards.
• Support Work Package Plans and Task Briefing Sheets.
• Collaborate with Responsible Managers to ensure Safe Systems of Work and risk controls.
• Attend PICOP meetings and integration discussions.
• Lead safety-critical inductions and handovers for contingent labour.
• Support continuous improvement and best practices across Story.

Skills

COSS experience

ES experience

Rail safety knowledge

Planning and assurance

Team leadership

Driving licence

Job description

Lead Safety Critical Operative

Are you a safety-focused rail professional? Do you lead by example and thrive in a fast-paced operational environment? Are you passionate about ensuring safe, compliant and efficient project delivery?

We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Safety Critical Operative to join our South & Central Rail Division, and there has never been a better time to join #TeamStory.

The Role

As a Lead Safety Critical Operative, you will play a key role in supporting the safe delivery of works across our rail projects by undertaking Engineering Supervisor (ES) and Controller of Site Safety (COSS) duties. Working closely with our Operational Planning, Delivery and Site Teams, you will support the planning and implementation of safe systems of work, undertake assurance activities, and provide leadership on safety-critical behaviours across our schemes.

You will act as the appointed Person in Charge (PIC) for live schemes where required, ensuring compliance with industry standards and contributing to the planning, briefing and readiness of worksites.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake Engineering Supervisor (ES) duties across midweek and weekend possessions.
• Undertake Controller of Site Safety (COSS) duties across live rail projects.
• Act as the appointed Person in Charge (PIC) and support Safe Work Pack planning in line with NR/L2/OHS/019 requirements.
• Prepare readiness documentation, safety critical plans and briefing materials.
• Carry out site familiarisation visits to verify access arrangements and identify potential hazards.
• Support the development of Work Package Plans and Task Briefing Sheets.
• Work collaboratively with Responsible Managers to ensure suitable Safe Systems of Work and risk controls are in place.
• Attend and represent Story at PICOP meetings and integration discussions.
• Lead safety critical inductions and handovers for contingent labour, setting expectations and assessing competence.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and the development of best practice across the business.

The Ideal Candidate

• Extensive experience working as both a Controller of Site Safety (COSS) and Engineering Supervisor (ES).
• Experience working with OTP, OTM and engineering train operations.
• Strong knowledge of rail safety standards, safe systems of work and planning requirements.
• Demonstrates excellent safety behaviours and can lead by example on site.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• High attention to detail and a proactive approach to planning and assurance.
• Flexible in supporting changing operational requirements across the business.
• Full driving licence.

Why Story Contracting?

Story Contracting is a privately-owned, award-winning infrastructure company that is financially secure and agile, with a wide range of public, private and third-sector clients who enjoy working with our talented and committed team. Our track record for delivering on time and budget, safely and reliably, is reflected in our motto: "Do It Right!"

Our values are at the heart of everything we do, shaping both the way we work and the behaviours we display.

GROUNDED – Everyone is equal at Story. We are down to earth and treat each other with respect.

HARDWORKING – We all pull our weight and work hard for each other.

PROUD – We are proud of our safety, our projects, our people, our clients and the success we create together.

FAMILY – We nurture, train, develop and keep our people safe, just like a family.

TRUSTED – What we say is what we do. Our clients, our people and our communities trust us to do it right.

WINNERS – We are hungry for success and want to be the best-performing contractor for our clients, our people and our communities.

Every Story Matters

We are proud to be a place where everyone can be part of the Story.

As part of our pledge to eliminate discrimination and encourage diversity, our Every Story policy ensures all employees are part of a diverse environment and always feel included.

All applicants will receive careful consideration for employment regardless of who they are, where they come from or what they believe.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme.

About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.

Company Details

Company: Story Contracting Limited

Salary: £18.92 per hour + van

Hours: Full-time

Location: Temple, WC2R 1AT

Working pattern: On-site

Job type: Permanent

Posting date: 4 Nov 2026

Closing date: 13 Nov 2026

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