Rail Safety & Regulation Manager (O&M Metro)

SYSTRA is one of the world's leading engineering and consultancy groups specialising in public transport and sustainable mobility. With over 10,300 employees, SYSTRA's mission is to design safe and sustainable transport solutions to bring people together, develop social inclusion and facilitate access to employment, education and leisure throughout the world.

For 65 years, the Group has been working alongside cities and regions to contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their infrastructure and transport systems, throughout the life cycle of their projects. SYSTRA is involved from the earliest stages of design through to the testing, deployment and maintenance phases. The company provides all its services in over 80 countries worldwide and generates 74% of its turnover internationally. With its new services, SYSTRA supports its clients and partners in their digital, ecological and energy transition, in order to invent the mobility of tomorrow.

Context

Currently, we are bidding for the Project Management Services of a metro project in its operation & maintenance phase in Riyadh. The position of Rail Safety & Regulations Manager is a key position in this opportunity.  Potential start date is January 2026.

 

You will be responsible for overseeing and reviewing the O&M Contractors Safety Management System, Operating Safety Case and the preparation and submission in conformance with their respective contract and government authority requirements.

Missions/Main Duties

• Oversee, implement, and maintain the Safety Management System (SMS) in compliance with national railway safety requirements, local regulations, and international best practices.
• Monitor regulatory developments, assess impact on operations, and update safety policies and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance.
• You will also be responsible for coordinating the development of local laws (by-laws) including but not be limited to; railway protection, trespass, unsafe acts, fare evasion, vandalism, theft and other standard regulations normally used in similar metro operations
• Liaise with the national regulator, client, and other key stakeholders to ensure transparent communication and timely reporting of all safety and regulatory matters.
• Lead and coordinate safety audits, inspections, risk assessments, and investigations, ensuring findings are documented, communicated, and resolved.
• Prepare and submit regulatory reports, safety certifications, and documentation in line with legal and client requirements.
• Oversee the implementation of safety rules, instructions, and controls throughout Operations and Maintenance functions.
• Support the delivery of safety and regulatory training programs for all relevant staff to assure competency and awareness.
• Track safety performance indicators (KPIs), analyze trends, and recommend corrective or improvement actions.
• Advise management and operational teams on regulatory risks, interpreting legal and contractual safety requirements.
• Support emergency preparedness; ensure procedures, drills, and plans are established and updated.
• Champion a strong safety culture and continuous improvement in regulatory compliance.

Profile/Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Transport, Occupational Health & Safety, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in rail/metro safety, safety management systems, and regulatory compliance—preferably with at least 5 years in a managerial role.
• Accredited safety certification (e.g., NEBOSH, IRCA, Railway Safety Certificate) is strongly preferred.
• You will demonstrate prior relevant qualifications, knowledge and experience in safety certification of a new railway (preferably driverless metro)
• In-depth knowledge of railway safety legislation, standards, and best practices (national and international).
• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, and auditing Safety Management Systems in a rail or transport environment.
• Experience in conducting and leading incident investigations and liaising with regulators.
• Strong communication, analytical, and reporting skills.
• Experience working in the Middle East or GCC rail environment is an advantage.
• Proficiency in English required; Arabic knowledge is a plus.

Systra is an equal opportunities company; this position is open to all applicants.