Join to apply for the ERTMS Programme Assurance Lead role at Freightliner Group Ltd
Join our Leeds team as ERTMS Programme Assurance Lead on a full-time, permanent basis.
About the Programme
The ERTMS Freight Programme is a nationally critical initiative delivering the deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) across freight operations on the UK rail network. This complex, multi-stakeholder programme will drive interoperability, safety, network capacity, and operational efficiency across the UK rail freight sector.
We are seeking an experienced Assurance Lead to own and manage all aspects of regulatory, technical, and safety assurance & verification within the programme—ensuring successful delivery of APIS (Authority to Place into Service) and PIU (Putting Into Use) approvals in line with Network Rail (infrastructure owner) and industry standards.
Role Purpose
To lead the development and implementation of the Freightliner ERTMS Programme Assurance Strategy, ensuring full compliance with Network Rail’s assurance processes, including ESAC (Engineering Safety & Assurance Case) and the 4-SP (4 Stage Process) framework, alongside APIS and PIU requirements. This role is fundamental to programme success—ensuring robust assurance processes are in place to meet the expectations of the ORR, Network Rail, and freight operators.
Key Responsibilities
Assurance Leadership
* Lead the development and management of Freightliner’s Programme Assurance Plan, covering technical, safety, and regulatory assurance across all programme elements.
* Define and implement Freightliner’s assurance framework in line with Network Rail’s ESAC process, 4-SP framework, Common Safety Method for Risk Evaluation and Assessment (CSM-REA), Railway Interoperability Regulations (2011) and Technical Specifications for Interoperability (NTSNs), National Technical Rules (NTRs) and UK Railway Industry Standards (RIS), and ROGS (as applicable).
* Reviewing and updating the Safety Management System.
* Represent Freightliner at relevant Assurance Meetings, workshops and Working Groups.
* Facilitate and/or support HazIDs for contributing to the development of a robust Hazard Record.
Regulatory Engagement & Compliance
* Act as the primary interface with the ORR, Network Rail (including ESAC & 4SP), central assurance team, Siemens Mobility and relevant regulatory bodies to secure APIS and PIU approvals.
* Manage assurance engagement with appropriate Assessment Bodies (AsBo).
* Attend Freightliner SVP as required.
* Ensure assurance deliverables (Safety Cases, Engineering Safety Justifications, System Integration Evidence, Safety Management Systems, etc.) are developed, assured, and accepted at appropriate stage gates.
* Develop a good practice methodology to accelerate cross-industry assurance progress.
Risk & Safety Assurance
* Identify and manage assurance-related risks, ensuring compliance with safety engineering best practice and system safety requirements.
* Establish and manage a hazard transfer process and produce any required explicit risk assessments to close out hazards.
* Oversee the development and approval of Engineering Safety Management Plans (ESMP), Hazard Records, Risk Management and Safety Case documentation.
Stakeholder Leadership
* Provide assurance leadership to suppliers, Siemens, Network Rail delivery teams, freight operators, and other key stakeholders as required.
* Advise the Head of ERTMS Programme, executive leadership team, and external bodies on assurance risks, issues, and compliance status.
* Promote a culture of safety, quality, and robust assurance across all programme activities.
Person Specification
Essential Experience & Skills
* Experience leading APIS and PIU assurance within a complex rail systems environment.
* Knowledge & understanding of ERTMS/ETCS deployment assurance and system integration challenges.
* Proven ability to manage regulatory engagement with ORR and AsBo, DeBo, ApBo, Independent Safety Assessor, and Assessment Party.
* Expertise in the application of CSM-REA and related safety engineering processes.
* Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and guide teams across organisations.
* Desirable: Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional accreditation.
* Experience working within major rail programmes (e.g., Digital Railway, ETCS Deployment, Crossrail, HS2).
* Experience applying Network Rail’s 4-SP (Stage Gate) assurance framework.
* Knowledge of Network Rail’s ESAC process.
* Knowledge of UK rail freight operations and freight operator requirements.
Personal Attributes
* Strategic thinker with a methodical and pragmatic approach to assurance and risk management.
* Resilient, logical, and delivery focused.
* Strong collaborator and team player with high integrity.
* Excellent communicator with the ability to engage confidently at all levels.
Seniority & Employment
* Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Quality Assurance
* Industries: Rail Transportation
Note: This refined description removes extraneous postings and boilerplate while preserving the role’s responsibilities and qualifications.
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