Rail Compliance and Assurance Manager

About the role

The Rail Compliance and Assurance Manager provides independent safety assurance and regulatory oversight for Hafeet Rail’s cross‑border operations in the UAE and Oman. Acting as the second line of safety assurance, the role challenges and audits operational, engineering and maintenance functions to ensure safe railway operation in line with legislation, standards and the Hafeet Rail Safety Case.

Key responsibilities

• Lead independent safety assurance and regulatory compliance activities across all railway operations and maintenance functions.
• Develop and execute the annual Safety Assurance and Compliance Audit Programme, covering operations, engineering, maintenance and supporting business areas.
• Maintain and update the Compliance and Assurance Framework and legal & regulatory register.
• Assess the effectiveness of the Railway Safety Management System (SMS) and verify implementation of operational controls.
• Plan, conduct and manage internal audits, compliance inspections, assurance reviews and independent assessments.
• Interface with national safety authorities, government bodies and independent assurance organisations in the UAE and Oman.
• Support railway authorisation, certification, entry into service and continued operational approval.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in railway safety assurance, regulatory compliance or a related engineering discipline.
• Strong knowledge of national railway legislation, GCC interoperability standards and international railway standards.
• Proven ability to lead audit programmes and interact with regulatory authorities.
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills with a focus on independent challenge.

Required skills

• ETCS Level 2 operational requirements
• Railway Safety Management System (SMS) assessment
• Regulatory compliance auditing
• Safety case review and certification evidence