Job Description

Investigation Support Manager

Application Deadline: 30 June 2026

Department: HSSE

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Head Office - Birmingham

Reporting To: Jonathan Hitching

Compensation: £50,000 - £55,000 / year

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Designated Competent Person (DCP), ensuring operational incidents and occupational safety events are investigated proportionately, with high-quality outputs that support organisational learning and risk reduction.
• Maintain records and databases of incidents and investigations, ensuring timely communication with relevant stakeholders
• Ensure 72-hour reviews are effectively chaired, facilitated and documented
• Lead or support high-potential and complex investigations as directed, ensuring objective, evidence-based and proportionate investigation standards
• Represent West Midlands Trains professionally in joint investigations and with external stakeholders, ensuring effective coordination and protection of organisational interests.
• Allocate investigations to appropriate managers and provide oversight, expert advice and support throughout
• Ensure investigation recommendations are escalated appropriately and are effectively implemented, monitored, and reviewed to reduce recurring risk.
• Support identification of recurring themes, systemic risks and emerging trends to inform safety improvement strategies and promote good practice.
• Review external investigations and ensure transferable learning is identified, with support provided for effective implementation across the business.
• Work with the HSSE Data Manager to undertake statistical and trend analysis of incidents and causation
• Translate investigation outputs into clear learning for safety briefings and business forums.
• Work with others to develop and deliver coaching, guidance and structured investigation training to improve capability and consistency across the organisation as required
• Contribute to continuous improvement of investigation processes and standards.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the role.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Experience in a rail operating environment
• Knowledge of operational and investigation standards
• Experience conducting accident/incident investigation
• Analytical capability to identify trends and systemic safety issues
• Ability to influence stakeholders and provide constructive challenge
• Understanding of rail safety governance and assurance frameworks
• Experience working across multidisciplinary teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools
• Experience with risk assessment methodologies

Job Benefits

• A defined benefit pension from day 1 – one of the best in the UK.
• Free travel on all London Northwestern and West Midlands Railway services for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
• 75% off all other train operating companies for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
• 8 Friends and Family Day passes to gift per annum on our network.
• A 24/7 Virtual GP service for you and your household.
• Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)- A confidential employee benefit that supports you with personal or work-related issues affecting your home life, work life, health, or wellbeing
• Our cycle to work scheme with Evans Cycles.
• A retail discount portal- offering savings, discounts and cashback at over 800 retailers and restaurants.