Job Title Head of Safety
Reporting to HSQE Director
Responsibilities
The Head of Safety accountabilities are the following:
- Leading the safety governance process
- Communicating current and future safety, legislative requirements that apply to the organization
- Specific responsibility for leading the development and implementation of the safety section of the Business Plan and the Safety Policy
- Drive commitment to collaborative working with all stakeholders
- Leadership and development of the safety team to ensure that they effectively support the needs of the organization
- Leading the management of the risk profile of the organisation to ensure that all risks are correctly identified and controlled
- Proactive management of the interface with the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) Safety team and sector regulators – Commission for Railway Regulation (CRR), Railway Accident Investigation Unit (RIAU) and the Health & Safety Authority (HSA)
- Support the HSQE Director in representing the organisation in terms of safety
* This is a Safety Related position
Competencies
- Safety Management Systems (SMS) Leadership - ability to develop, implement, and continuously improve a robust Safety Management System that complies with Irish railway legislation and recognised rail industry standards. This includes governance, assurance, performance monitoring, and driving continuous improvement.
- Risk Management and Hazard Control - expertise in identifying operational hazards, assessing risks, implementing controls, and ensuring risks remain ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable). This includes managing operational, engineering, contractor, and public-interface risks.
- Regulatory and Railway Compliance - comprehensive knowledge of the Irish railway regulatory framework, including the requirements of the Commission for Railway Regulation (CRR), the Railway Safety Act 2005, and applicable EU railway safety requirements. The Head of Safety must ensure ongoing compliance and maintain constructive relationships with regulators.
- Safety Culture and Leadership Influence - ability to influence a positive safety culture where safety is integrated into everyday decision-making. This includes visible leadership, coaching, stakeholder engagement, behavioural safety initiatives, and influencing senior management, operational teams, and contractors.
- Incident Investigation and Safety Assurance - capability to lead investigations into accidents, incidents, and near misses, identify root causes, develop corrective actions, and provide assurance that controls are effective.
Experience
- FETAC Level 8 qualification in an appropriate safety related discipline
- 6 years’ experience in an equivalent role
- Significant leadership experience and proven ability to deliver outstanding standards of safety management and leadership.
- Practical knowledge of railway operations.
- Membership of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (or equivalent).
- Relevant qualification in safety auditing
EQUALITY STATEMENT
KeolisAmey Luas values the diversity, which exists in our city, and our aspiration is to reflect this diversity in our workforce. All employees must be aware of and committed to the KeolisAmey Luas Diversity Policy. All employees must also be aware of and comply with other Company requirements associated with Equality and Diversity issues relevant to their role.
To apply for this role, please email lua-recruitment@keolisameyluas.ie
