Contractors Engineering Manager (CEM) - Track in Chelmsford

Contractor\'s Engineering Manager (CEM) - Track

Role Purpose:

The Contractor\'s Engineering Manager (CEM) is accountable for all engineering management activities associated with the design and delivery of permanent way (track) projects in compliance with Network Rail standards, technical governance, and safety regulations.
The CEM provides assurance that engineering deliverables are technically sound, coordinated across all disciplines, and meet the client\'s requirements and statutory obligations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the single point of technical and engineering assurance for the contractor on all track-related works.
• Ensure that all design, construction, and testing activities comply with Network Rail\'s standards, technical requirements, and the NR/L2/INI/02009 (Engineering Management for Projects) framework.
• Lead and manage the engineering assurance process, including the production and approval of Form A/B/C design submissions.
• Manage the interface between designers, CREs (Contractor\'s Responsible Engineers), and construction teams to ensure technical consistency and constructability.
• Review and approve technical documentation, design deliverables, and method statements.
• Ensure that all works are undertaken safely and in compliance with CDM Regulations, Railway Group Standards, and project-specific safety requirements.
• Oversee the resolution of technical issues, non-conformances, and change control through the design and construction phases.
• Coordinate cross-discipline integration (Track, Civils, Signalling, OLE, and Telecoms) to mitigate clashes and ensure coherent project delivery.
• Manage the technical interface with Network Rail\'s Project Engineer (PE) and other key stakeholders.
• Support the tendering process by providing technical input, risk assessment, and engineering resource planning.
• Promote innovation, technical excellence, and value engineering within the track discipline.
• Ensure project engineering records are complete, traceable, and compliant for handover and assurance.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree in Civil Engineering or a relevant engineering discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Significant experience delivering track (permanent way) works in a rail infrastructure environment.
• Proven experience as a CEM or Senior CRE (Track) on Network Rail projects.
• In-depth knowledge of Network Rail\'s standards, processes, and assurance requirements.
• Strong understanding of multi-disciplinary rail integration (particularly Civils, Signalling, and OLE interfaces).
• Demonstrable leadership in engineering management within NEC4 or similar contract frameworks.
• Excellent knowledge of safety and quality management systems.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively.

Desirable:

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status through ICE or IMechE.
• Network Rail CEM competence (Form C) approved.
• PTS (Personal Track Safety) certification.
• Experience with modern track design tools and digital engineering methods (e.g., Bentley OpenRail, CAD, or BIM platforms).
• Experience delivering major renewals or enhancement projects.

Personal Attributes:

• Methodical and detail-oriented, with excellent analytical ability.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Committed to safety, quality, and compliance.
• Effective communicator with internal teams, clients, and third parties.
• Calm under pressure and able to manage competing priorities.

ersg are an equal opportunities employer; we are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all job applicants. We do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of age, sex, race, disability, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or religious background; all decisions are based on merit.