DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, SAFETY & SUSTAINABILITY
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, SAFETY & SUSTAINABILITY
BACKGROUND & ORGANISATION
Iarnród Éireann / Irish Rail (IÉ) is the public railway company of Ireland where the core organisational value is “Always Safe”. As an integrated railway its’ role is to manage all associated infrastructure while providing passenger and freight transport across Intercity, Interregional, Commuter and DART services. IÉ also owns and operates Rosslare Europort and is a subsidiary of Córas Iompair Éireann.
The Company is on an ambitious developmental journey, in service of a growing Ireland, and is organised to include an Operating function with Rail Undertaking (RU) and Infrastructure Management (IM), a growing Capital Investment unit, Commercial Businesses and corporate shared services.
IÉ is realising its ambition to be the backbone of Ireland’s sustainable transport network, delivering growth through a €10bn+ nationwide programme of capital investment projects in Ireland’s heavy rail network. Funded by the Department of Transport, the National Transport Authority and the European Union, this Investment programme will grow the current carrying capacity from 55 million to 80 million passengers by the end of the decade, significantly expanding rail freight operations and developing the Rosslare Europort infrastructure.
An investment programme of this scale is crucial to the implementation of national and regional transport and environmental policies and represents the most positive era for growth and transformation of rail transport services in the history of the State.
Reinforced by the All-Island Strategic Rail Review (AISRR), jointly commissioned by the Department of Transport and the Department of Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, our extensive capital investment programme sets out the vision for continued improvements for passengers and wider society on the island of Ireland up to 2050. With an estimated capital cost of €37bn, the AISRR, recommends further actions for additional electrification of services, increased speeds, higher service frequency and new routes and is aligned with the net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions.
THE ROLE
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Health, Safety & Sustainability is a pivotal leadership role in the delivery of a safe sustainable, and secure customer centric service in IÉ. The primary purpose of the role is to provide deep expertise and effective team leadership across all areas of Health, Safety and Sustainability while working collaboratively as part of the Senior Executive Team.
The Director of Health, Safety & Sustainability reinforces IÉ’s core value ‘Always Safe’, leads the development and implementation of a health & safety strategy, ensures legal and regulatory compliance across IÉ in all aspects of health and safety and fosters a proactive health and safety culture where people in IÉ own their individual responsibility to live the health and safety culture. In addition, the Director of Health, Safety & Sustainability oversees strategy, policy and compliance for the Security and Sustainability teams across the IÉ network and for Rosslare Europort.
A key priority of the role is the continued close engagement with external stakeholders on strategy and compliance reporting including the Department of Transport, the Commission for Railway Regulation, the Health and Safety Authority, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and An Garda Síochána.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will have:
· A vision for the future of a safe and sustainable railway with the credibility and experience to lead significant organisational change reflecting current, unprecedented levels of expansion of rail services and Rosslare Europort in Ireland
· A significant track record in safety leadership in a relevant regulated environment
· Senior level team leadership experience with a track record of developing enterprise-wide champions who ensure a deeply rooted H&S culture
· Deep knowledge and experience in Irish, UK and European health & safety legislation with the ability to lead out on processes for the development, implementation and maintenance of Safety Management Systems and standards
· Experience in sustainability and the requirements to lead security for IÉ
· A proven record of accomplishment in an intensive service sector business environment
· Influencing skills, people management, and understanding of operations logistics, customer service, financial planning and control
· Strong strategic leadership qualities, integrity, tenacity, commercial awareness, and interpersonal skills to influence policy decisions at Board and government levels.
This is an exciting opportunity for a senior Health & Safety professional to make a significant impact at IÉ, ensuring the continued development of a safe, secure and sustainable rail network at a time of unprecedented investment in heavy rail infrastructure in Ireland.
To discuss your interest and for further information on this role, please contact PwC Executive Search:
ELLEN ROCHE +353 87 637 0812
ADRIENNE HARTEN +353 87 247 2896
To make an application for this role, please send a comprehensive curriculum vitae and a personal statement outlining your fit for the role to ie_recruitment_ie_dhs@pwc.com
The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday, 11th May 2026.
IÉ is a subsidiary of the commercial semi-state group of transport companies, Córas Iompair Éireann, and its activities are regulated by the National Transport Authority and by the Commission for Railway Regulations. Irish Rail is an equal opportunities employer.
