At Network Rail, we keep Britain moving-maintaining and operating a safe, reliable railway for passengers and freight users. We are committed to delivering a high-performing network that puts customers, safety, and continuous improvement at the heart of everything we do.
The Southern Region-covering Wessex, Sussex and Kent-is one of the busiest and most complex parts of the railway. Our teams support millions of journeys every day, working across integrated track and train operations to deliver a safer, more reliable and more efficient railway system.
We are entering an exciting new chapter as we integrate with train operating companies under one national leadership, creating even greater opportunities to shape the future of and Southern offers a fast-paced, rewarding environment to grow your career and make a real difference.
As part of this, the Governance, Risk, Assurance & Improvement (GRAI) team plays a critical role in enabling the Southern Railway System to operate with confidence-connecting governance, risk management, assurance and improvement to support better outcomes across the Southern Rail System.
We are seeking a motivated and detail-focused Compliance Auditor to join the Southern Region GRAI team. This role will support the delivery of a risk-based audit and assurance programme, providing independent assurance that demonstrates controls, standards and processes are operating effectively across the Southern Railway System.
You will work across a complex, integrated environment, helping to identify risks, test controls, and provide insight that drives improvement in safety, performance and governance.
You will support delivery of the functional audit plan within a blended resource model, working with external audit providers to execute audits in line with the agreed audit work bank.
The job holder needs to be willing to travel across the Southern region to support audit delivery.
What you'll be doing:
- Deliver functional and cross-functional audits in line with the Regional Functional Audit Programme, including special topic audits as required.
- Support the development of audit scopes and protocols , working with technical specialists to ensure audits are robust, proportionate and aligned to business needs.
- Apply a risk-based approach to audit delivery , working with stakeholders to prioritise assurance activity based on organisational risk and operational requirements.
- Plan and execute audit activity to agreed timescales and quality standards , coordinating inputs from subject matter experts where required.
- Produce high-quality audit reports and analysis , clearly communicating findings, non-conformances and recommendations to stakeholders.
- Monitor and follow up audit actions , working with line managers to track progress, verify effective closure and maintain accurate records.
- Analyse audit outputs to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities , making recommendations based on best practice.
- Provide professional advice and support on audit activity , including supporting teams in understanding requirements and, where appropriate, delivering guidance or training.
Essential
- Experience in audit, compliance, assurance or risk management, ideally within a regulated or operational environment.
- Recognised Lead Auditor qualification (e.g. IRCA / IATCA) or working towards a similar qualification.
- Strong understanding of Environmental Management Systems (e.g. Quality, Health & Safety), relevant legislation and compliance frameworks
- Excellent report writing and analytical skills, with the ability to clearly communicate findings and recommendations
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at different levels
- Good organisational skills with the ability to deliver audits to defined timescales and quality standards with minimum supervision
- Membership, or working towards, of a relevant professional body (e.g. CQI, IOSH at TechIOSH level or above)
Desirable
- Knowledge of railway operations, maintenance practices or similar complex operational environments
- Broader understanding of the railway industry and its regulatory environment
- Additional qualifications in Health, Safety or Quality management or Asset Management (e.g. NEBOSH Certificate)
- Experience of working with ISO management system standards (e.g. ISO 9001, 45001, 14001, 55001)
- Experience supporting or contributing to risk-based audit programmes or assurance frameworks
How to apply
Salary : Band 4B £35,582- £42,218 plus Inner London Allowance £3,270 Closing date 02 July 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
- Generous annual leave , plus statutory days, with the option to buy or sell additional leave
- Defined benefit pension scheme , providing long term financial security
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Travel benefits , including:
- Up to 75% subsidised rail and underground season tickets
- Up to 75% discount on leisure rail travel
- Interest free loans for season tickets and station car parking
- Health and wellbeing support
- Enhanced family policies
- Carer's leave , recognising caring responsibilities outside of work
Closing date : 02 July 2025 - Late applications will not be accepted.
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Drugs and Alcohol Standard:
A ll candidates receiving a conditional offer must pass a drugs and alcohol test, and a positive result will result in the withdrawal of the application and a five-year suspension from applying to safety-critical, PTS-certified, or Key Safety roles on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure, with results securely recorded on the Sentinel database.
You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.
Network Rail Benefits - To find out about what benefits we offer, click here
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
