ETCS Competency and Standards Development Manager

ETCS Competency and Standards Development Manager

Alliance and Operations

Location: Derby - Head Office Contract Type: Fixed Term Salary: circa £84,848 6 month secondment Closing Date: Friday 06 November 2026 Reference: CSDM-26

We are proud to be One Team at East Midlands Railway (EMR). We are passionate about keeping people safe, delighting our customers, doing the right thing and putting customers at the heart of our sustainable railway for the East Midlands. With over 2,600 employees, our people are the reason we are so successful. Ten times accredited as a Top Employer, we value our people and are dedicated to making sure that everybody feels empowered to bring their authentic self to work.

Help shape the future of our digital railway.

The railway is entering an exciting period of transformation, with digital signalling set to change how we operate our trains and deliver services for our customers. Here at EMR, we're building a dedicated team to help shape and deliver our contribution to this transformation through the introduction of the European Train Control System (ETCS).

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of something from the outset, helping to shape our approach, influence industry developments and prepare our people, fleet and operations for the next generation of railway technology.

We have an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the introduction of the European Train Control System (ETCS) and European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) across the EMR network.

As our ETCS Competency & Standards Development Manager, you will become EMR's subject matter expert in ETCS operational competency and standards, helping to shape how our people, processes and operational systems adapt to the introduction of digital signalling.

This is a hands-on, influential role where you will work collaboratively with colleagues across EMR, Network Rail and wider industry partners to ensure our operational teams are prepared, competent and confident in delivering safe ETCS-enabled services.

Driver competency is required for this role, applicants must hold a valid European Train Driving Licence and have a minimum of 4 years mainline driving experience.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Working closely with the ETCS Programme Manager and senior team to understand priorities and expectations.
• Provide specialist operational and technical input into ETCS design, operational rules, and system layout to ensure they meet operational needs and safety requirements.
• Participate in the planning and delivery of EMRs operational readiness plans for ETCS rollout, identifying risk and mitigation solutions.
• Ensure operational standards, rulebooks, and procedures are updated to reflect ETCS compliance and integrated into business-as-usual operations
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with key internal and external stakeholders — including Network Rail, train crews, TOCs, signalling suppliers and industry bodies
• Represent EMR in industry groups, working groups and programme forums where ETCS operational standards and readiness are discussed and agreed
• Lead the design of the training and competency programmes that ensure drivers are competent with ERTMS/ETCS and rollingstock interface. Including the development of the ETCS Simulator plan, ensuring that simulators are maintained with relevant scenarios to our risk profile. Supporting in the creation of specific scenarios to supporting the delivery of competency development plans
• Responsible for ensuring initial ETCS mentor and instructor training is delivered in line with company standards. Leading on the development of competency development support including briefings, development materials and guidance notes for the mentors and instructors to ensure consistent application of Competence Management Systems (CMS) arrangements.
• Support evaluation and integration of simulator use in ongoing competency management
• Support assurance processes ensuring that ETCS operational compliance meets railway safety standards, EMR safety validation and external regulatory requirements (e.g., ORR expectations where applicable)
• Contribute to development and review of ETCS risk assessments, operational safety material, standards and compliance documentation.

What are we looking for?

If you're successful in this role, you'll be expected to support our frontline colleagues at some points throughout the year. This might be undertaking safety critical work, for which you'll receive training, but it could just be helping out with Customer Service when our stations are busy. We're One Team, and that means our managers step up for the frontline, not just manage from a distance. Supporting frontline colleagues is part of our DNA at EMR.

As well as a competitive salary, we’ll also offer you:

• 32 days’ holiday per year, rising to 34 after 2 years
• Free First Class duty travel on the EMR network
• Free standard leisure travel on the EMR network and Train Operating Companies under Transport UK & LNER
• 75% discount on national leisure travel (inc partner and dependants)
• Friends and Family discounted tickets on the EMR network
• Employee benefits portal with access to generous discounts, Cycle 2 Work Scheme …and many more!

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds , we promote equal opportunities for all. East Midlands Railway is a non-discriminatory employer committed to the recruitment and promotion of all on the basis of ability and merit irrespective of disability, race, gender, health, social class, sexual preference, marital status, nationality, religion, employment status or age. We’ll treat your application fairly and assess you for the job based on merit and skills.

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