Director of Sustainability
Overview
The Director of Sustainability will have responsibility for the continued development and implementation of the GB rail industry’s strategic approach to sustainability, as encapsulated within the Sustainable Rail Blueprint (SRB).
Through growth and delivery of the RSSB Sustainable Rail Programme, this role will provide leadership and strategic direction within RSSB, to the industry and beyond to establish and embed a culture of sustainability. Shaping and bringing into use the products and services essential to realising an even more sustainable railway.
Responsibilities
- Set and maintain the vision for sustainability for GB rail dynamically through the SRB and lead its implementation. Ensure RSSB complies internally with best practice in sustainability.
- Communicate widely within the rail sector and beyond the vision and goals for sustainable rail, highlighting progress and promoting the industry’s credentials. Participate in a broad range of fora, confirming RSSB’s position as the leader for sustainability within the industry.
- Build and deploy the Sustainable Rail Data Framework for sustainability performance management in GB Rail. Determine metrics, provide data collection/aggregation, analysis and reporting services for regulators and industry. Establish RSSB as the sustainability data aggregator within the GB rail sector.
- Oversee the development and implementation of the industry’s approach to sustainability, positioning RSSB at the centre of GB rail’s quest for Net Zero, facilitating industry level consensus and collaboration to deliver a more sustainable railway. This includes leading the Sustainable Rail Executive (SRE), Sustainable Rail Leadership Group and associated technical sub-groups.
- Continue to provide the technical support, analysis and advice to the DfT ensuring effective, practical and robust implementation of policy objectives in areas of strategic focus; such as emissions (decarbonisation, air quality and noise), social value (careers, community and inclusivity) and natural environment (biodiversity, water, waste and climate change adaptation).
- Proactively inform rail reform to embed the SRB. Maintain and bolster RSSB’s position as key technical advisor on Sustainable Rail to the Integrated Rail Body (GBRTT) with a focus on ensuring the SRB and its strategic goals are secured in industry contractual and legal mechanisms.
- Evolve and grow the Sustainable Rail Programme of technical advisory and embedding activity. Delivering tools, products, and services for industry use. Bringing efficiency and building knowledge to increase industry capability to deliver an even more sustainable railway.
- Oversee the effective delivery of Sustainable Rail projects and workplans. Identify risk areas, guide the RSSB Sustainability Team to constructively challenge and support industry implementation of key outputs. Press for delivery of recommended actions as appropriate to ensure desired outcomes are achieved and industry reputation is protected and enhanced.
- Lead and develop the RSSB Sustainability Team to ensure effective project delivery and utilisation of resources.
- Develop strong collaborative relationships with organisations and individuals, including at a political level, to ensure that RSSB is recognised for its independence and excellence in the sustainability arena. Ensure key stakeholders understand and recognise the change needed and the implications for both the sector and for individual organisations. Develop and maintain positive and fruitful policy engagement and communications channels with DfT, ORR, and Network Rail now and the IRB in the future.
- Maintain strong collaborative relationships within RSSB, particularly across COG directorates, to ensure the continuing embedding of the SRB, particularly within Standards, System Safety & Health.
- Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of sustainable development within and outside the railway industry, nationally and internationally, in collaboration with the horizon scanning function within Futures Lab.
Qualifications
- Substantial experience and expertise in developing and delivering sustainability strategy, preferably with experience of operating within both public and private sector.
- Demonstrable experience of having led substantial and impactful change in the sustainability arena.
- Demonstrable experience of the application of data in developing sustainability solutions.
- Experience of stakeholder engagement, including at senior executive levels.
- Significant experience in strategy development and of influencing industry policy and practice.
- Significant experience in project management & programme delivery
- People management and development experience combined with strong coaching and motivational capabilities.
- Politically astute, with the confidence and credibility to influence at the highest level (e.g. industry bodies, Government, transport groups etc.)
- An ability to communicate clearly, articulately, and constructively both verbally and on paper.
- An influential leader with clear ability to sway outcomes through the application of effective interpersonal skills and to build credibility at senior levels.
- Applied analytical skills.
- Demonstrate alignment to RSSB’s values and vision for 'a Simpler, Better Railway.’
- Experience and commitment of working in harmony with RSSB’s strategic objectives: Customer Engagement, Growth, Financial Sustainability, Organisational Health, and Digital Transformation.
We value
diversity and equal opportunities in employment and are committed to creating a workplace which is inclusive to everyone. As a member of the
Disability Confident Scheme, we encourage candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria, to apply for our jobs. If you have applied under the Disability Confident Scheme, please let us know in advance by emailing
vacancies@RSSB.CO.UK Find out more about Diversity and Inclusion at RSSB:
Rail Safety and Standards Board Careers - VERCIDA
If you require any
reasonable adjustments with respect to our selection process including information in an alternative format, please contact us at
vacancies@rssb.co.uk
We understand the importance of work-life balance and we offer our staff the flexibility to work within our core hours and the option to vary their location between both the office and home. If you are looking for further flexibility, speak to us at interview stage so that we can consider your request.
We value our staff and we offer a competitive benefits package to ensure our staff can achieve their best throughout their journey with us. This includes 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays); a holiday buy and sell scheme; private medical and dental cover; a season ticket loan and travel subsidy; access to a cycle to work scheme; volunteer leave; a performance related bonus and pension. We are committed to investing in our staff and offer formal and informal learning opportunities for development.
