Principal Safety Consultant (Safety Assurance & Certification – Civils) – Rail & Transit

Company: WSP
Apply for the Principal Safety Consultant (Safety Assurance & Certification – Civils) – Rail & Transit
Location: Bristol
Job Description:

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 offers you the chance to further your technical knowledge in rail safety while mentoring and guiding junior consultants. 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, CSM-RA and the Railways Interoperability Regulations (RIR).
  • Leading certification and authorisation projects, such as new railway stations, through the assessment of National Technical Specification Notices (NTSNs), Infrastructure and PRM, and National Technical Rules (NTRs) such as GIRT7020 and GIRT7073.
  • Leading the bidding, winning, and successful delivery of 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, the Crewe Hub remodelling, and the East Coast Mainline.
  • Providing support to contractors in completing CSM and approvals for station and civils works.
  • Working on global projects spanning Australia, the US, Canada, Asia, and the Middle East, while based in 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 CSM-RA and RIR.
  • Background in risk management, systems engineering, safety engineering and/or interoperability.
  • Ideally with a civil engineering background.
  • Prior experience in major rail infrastructure projects is highly desirable, especially if gained within the UK or consultancy sector.
  • Experience in railway stations projects, track and civils works, gauging and structures assessments.
  • 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 would be keen to hear from you and explore opportunities; this skill is not pertinent to this role.

Benefits

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It is 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.

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, providing peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships, and a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

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 is why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or chartership.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity Statement

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.

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Posted: June 1st, 2026