ERTMS Programme Assurance Lead – Freightliner
Freightliner is the UK's largest maritime intermodal logistics operator, transporting containers from all major deep-sea ports to our national network of inland terminals, and a leading operator in the UK Heavy Haul rail freight market. Freightliner operates across Europe offering Intermodal and Heavy Haul rail freight services connecting Europe and the UK.
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 multi-stakeholder programme will drive interoperability, safety, network capacity, and operational efficiency across the UK rail freight sector.
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 meet the expectations of the ORR, Network Rail, and freight operators.
Key responsibilities
* 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, 4-SP (Stage Gate) framework, CSM-REA, Rail Interoperability Regulations (2011) and Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs), National Technical Rules (NTRs) and UK Railway Industry Standards (RIS), and related safety standards.
* Review and update the Safety Management System.
* Represent Freightliner at relevant Assurance Meetings, workshops and Working Groups.
* Facilitate and/or support HazIDs to contribute to a robust Hazard Record.
Regulatory Engagement & Compliance
* Act as the primary interface with ORR, Network Rail (including ESAC & 4-SP), central assurance team, Siemens Mobility and other regulatory bodies to secure APIS and PIU approvals.
* Manage assurance engagement with appropriate Assessment Bodies (AsBo).
* 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 that can be shared industry-wide 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 the production of 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 and understanding of ERTMS/ETCS deployment assurance and system integration challenges.
* Proven ability to manage regulatory engagement with ORR, AsBo, DeBo, ApBo, Independent Safety Assessor, and Assessment Party.
* Expertise in the application of CSM-REA and associated safety engineering processes.
* Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional accreditation (desirable).
* Experience working within major rail programmes (e.g., Digital Railway, ETCS Deployment, Crossrail, HS2, etc.).
* Experience applying Network Rail’s 4-SP (Stage Gate) assurance framework.
* Knowledge of Network Rail’s ESAC process and UK rail freight operations.
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.
We offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, a competitive pension scheme, and a rewarding career in an award-winning team.
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Consulting, Information Technology, and Sales
Industries
* Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
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