Principal Safety Consultant

Company: Ricardo plc
Apply for the Principal Safety Consultant
Location: Bristol
Job Description:

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.

Is your CV ready If so, and you are confident this is the role for you, make sure to apply asap.Responsibilities

  • Lead 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.
  • Lead the bidding, winning, and successful delivery of commercially viable projects, collaborating with clients to understand their objectives and desired outcomes for each project.
  • Contribute 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.
  • Provide support to contractors in completing CSM and approvals for station works.
  • Lead safety assurance for new rail products, including high-speed points systems, axle counters, and other signalling systems.
  • Work 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.
  • Demonstrate flexibility by effectively managing multiple activities and proactively balancing workload across different projects and customers.
  • Lead interactive workshops with clients and stakeholders.
  • Offer flexible approaches to work, supporting employees who work from home, in the office or as hybrid workers. Wellbeing is at the core of our culture.

Qualifications

  • Experience 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 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.
  • Experience in cyber‑security is optional and not essential for this role.

Benefits

  • 25 days’ annual leave plus 8 flexible bank holidays.
  • Competitive company pension scheme.
  • Life assurance and professional subscriptions reimbursement.
  • Wide range of flexible benefits to suit your lifestyle.
  • Support for physical and mental health.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. xwzovoh We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace for all employees, including those with disabilities.

Posted: April 13th, 2026