Job description
Principal point of contact for the Arriva UK Bus business unit in respect of all health, safety, risk, and sustainability matters, including the development and execution of a Safety Strategy and vision, underpinned by a Safety Culture programme that improves the overall Safety Performance of the business. This role drives change, defines strategies, and executes initiatives that improve safety culture, reduces safety incidents, and enhances our safety performance and compliance at all levels in the business. Purpose of role Ensures UK Bus operates safely and complies with the law and maintains the ‘Safety Management System, ‘Road Traffic Safety Management System’ and Safety Quality Manual. Leads the strategic rollout of safety campaigns and implements targeted improvement initiatives that address safety risks and safety performance underpinned with the introduction of a measurement card framework to monitor and track improvements to safety performance. Holds executive leadership accountable for managing and maintaining a strong safety culture throughout the business and aligns with Arriva Group-wide HSE colleagues to deliver Group safety vision and targets. Sets a benchmark on Safety Performance with external professional bodies. Aligns with Arriva Group Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and lead the coordination of activities to define UK Bus’ required environmental, Social and governance reporting frameworks for publication in 2026. About the Role Development of the HSE Strategy and Safety Culture with associated safety improvement initiatives and performance measurement card framework. Develop and execute safety campaigns that target safety improvement initiatives and addressing identified safety risks and areas of enhancement. Act as a professional Head of Health & Safety where necessary and support investigation to safety incidents and escalations and drive corrective actions where necessary. Lead the production and reporting of safety performance metrics as required for UK Bus Management Teams, Wider Group HSE committee as well as external governing groups. Ensuring a Definition of Standards to the accountable structure for HSE and Road Risk. To lead the UK Bus Safety Committee chaired by the UK Bus MD. Responsible for ensuring that UK Bus's safety strategy and plans meet the requirements to achieve the Group safety KPI’s and objectives. Implement the Health and Safety audit and compliance regimes including Leadership Safety walks, Occupational Health & Safety, Fleet Audit and Group compliance and audit. Maintains the ‘Safety Management System, ‘Road Traffic Safety Management System’ and Safety Quality Manual and implements enhancement to Standard Operating Procedures where required. Work with external bodies and UK Bus Executive to mitigate risks from emerging safety challenges and associated changes in the law and safety legislation. Leads the coordination of Arriva Group Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and reporting requirements specifically for UK Bus in the areas of Data, Reporting and Materiality analysis to ensure CSRD legislative reporting is ready for publication at a Group level in 2026. Support the role out of UK Bus Zero Emission Fleet and associated footprint strategy as defined by the UK Bus Regional and London MD’s and advise on environmental and safety matters. Candidate Requirements Degree education obtained with Safety recognised professional qualifications in the field of Health & Safety, Environmental and Sustainability with relevant proven experience in a similar environment. (NEBOSH diploma or equivalent and ideally Chartered Member of IOSH) Knowledge and understanding of ISO39001 and ISO45001, ISO14001 A subject matter expert with strong influencing & analytical skills and with exceptional attention to detail. Demonstrable experience in large, comparable organisation (structure, complexity and size) to turn around safety performance, culture and sustainable safety culture Comfortable with extensive travel across the UK Required Skills Technical education with academic degree in either Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, environmental technologies or equivalent education. Multiannual management experience in the EH&S sector in industrial companies (manufacturing, transport or equivalent) Strong background in strategic planning and execution, team leadership, and a proven track record of implementing effective safety measures in large-scale operations and improving safety performance. Proven experience to define and execute strategies initiatives aimed at improving safety culture, reducing incidents, and advancing our commitment to zero emissions. Strong leadership skills and the ability to lead and develop a team of professionals. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage non-safety stakeholders in health, safety, risk and sustainability issues. Proven experience in minimizing risk profile within an organisation. Demonstrable experience working with Trade Unions and legislative Transport bodies Ability to work collaboratively with other departments and external stakeholders, while also being able to resolve complex and strategic issues.