Head of Sustainability [NEW]

As part of the Transport UK Group, West Midlands Trains delivers around 1,300 train journeys a day, for more than 60 million passengers a year, across our two brands - West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway.

We are committed to delivering a safe, reliable and sustainable train service, by investing in our people, our fleet of trains, stations and depots. As part of this investment, we are looking to recruit a Head of Sustainability on a full-time, permanent basis, based in our head office in Birmingham.

What does the job involve?

• WMT's lead on sustainability, environmental, social value and integrated travel.
• Direct the development and implementation of the company's sustainability, environmental and social value management systems. In liaison with Functional Directors, ensuring overall compliance with legislation and compliance with its National Rail Contract. Formulate, promote and develop this over time and provide professional support services across WMT
• To ensure that West Midlands Trains maintains its compliance with its sustainability, environmental and social value obligations through its National Rail contract. This includes required accreditations such as ISO 14001 and 50001 and the annual publishing of its Sustainability and Social Value Report.
• Ensure that WMT's sustainability, environmental and social value risk profile is understood using, where relevant, sustainability maturity models to ensure the significant risks are controlled and continuous improvement action plans are always in place.
• Ensure the development and continued improvement of the company sustainability, environmental, social value and integrated travel culture, strategy and plans
• Responsible for sustainability, environmental and social value audit and assurance of the business.
• Co-ordinate with others within the business the development and delivery of company sustainability, environmental and social value objectives and plans.
• Ensure with others a robust process is in place for the provision of sustainability, environmental and social value information to WMT employees.
• Ensure training and briefing requirements arising from the introduction of new or revised legislation or standards are identified.
• Act as day-to-day point of contact within the company for external bodies such as the Environment Agency, Emergency Services, Railway Safety and Standards Board, Local Authority and ORR.
• Ensure that systems for the control of environmental incidents are developed and co-ordinated cross-functionally throughout the organisation.
• Working with the Health, Safety, Security & Environment Director (HSSE) to establish action plans to meet the company's sustainability, environmental and social value objectives and targets
• Ensure all sustainability, environmental and social value performance data is collated, reviewed and reported to the Health, Safety, Security & Environment Review Board, Business Review Group and Executive team.
• Lead on the Sustainability Board meeting producing agenda, content and key focus for the meeting.
• Support the HSSE team in the delivery of its Business Plan Commitments.
• Develop skills, experience and qualifications through Learning and Development and knowledge building with other West Midlands Trains departments as well as other Train Operating Companies and the Transport UK Group
• Carry out all reasonable tasks as instructed by the HSSE Director
• Continuously lead and develop all members of the sustainability team.
• Being the key WMT interface with RSSB and other relevant industry sustainability actions (i.e. RDG, GBR, TUK, WMCA)

What skills and experience do I need to do the job?

• Proven track record of leading Sustainability, Environmental and Social Value at a senior level.
• Environmental / Sustainability degree/diploma or equivalent
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK/EU Safety Legislation
• Knowledge of standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001 ISO 50001
• Thorough knowledge of Sustainability, Environmental and Social Value rail industry requirements is desirable.
• Application of Sustainability, Environmental and Social Value Management in a highly regulated but commercial environment.
• Effective communicator at all levels of the organisation; stakeholder management
• Highly developed organisational skills and self-starter
• Excellent analytical skills with a rigorous approach and attention to detail in both quantitative and qualitative research and analysis
• Strong problem-solving skills and experience developing holistic solutions in a business context
• Ability to project manage tasks from inception to completion
• Excellent team-working, and the ability to contribute towards a positive team dynamic
• Strong communication, interpersonal and client management skills
• The ability to work under pressure to client determined deadlines
• Knowledge and understanding of emerging occupational health & safety issues
• Analytical, reporting and communication skills
• Knowledge of the business environment in which West Midlands Trains operates

What are the salary and benefits?

• Salary - £79,000 - £85,000 per annum DOE + excellent benefits
• Free travel on all our trains and those of other train companies within our parent group company - for you, your partner and any dependent children
• 75% off all other train company travel tickets
• Retail discounts
• Career development opportunities

Due to the volume of applications we receive the advert may close earlier than the published closing date. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure no-one receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race/ethnicity, religion, belief and sexual orientation.

Applications will be considered from colleagues with 6 months experience, after completion of their probationary period and a full check of absence and disciplinary records.