At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead assurance for the ERTMS Programme, ensuring compliance and safety across rail operations.
- Company: Freightliner is the UK's largest maritime intermodal logistics operator, connecting Europe and the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, excellent benefits, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Other info: We prioritise employee growth and offer developmental opportunities for your career.
- Why this job: Join a critical programme that enhances safety and efficiency in the UK rail freight sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in rail systems assurance and strong stakeholder management skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
About the Programme
Join our Leeds team as ERTMS Programme Assurance Lead on full time, permanent basis.
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 (Engineering Safety & Assurance Case)
- Network Rail’s 4-SP (Stage Gate) assurance framework
- Common Safety Method for Risk Evaluation and Assessment (CSM-REA).
- Railway Interoperability Regulations (2011) and Technical Specifications for Interoperability (NTSNs)
- National Technical Rules (NTR’s) and UK Railway Industry Standards (RIS)
- ROGS (as applicable)
- Reviewing and updating the Safety Management System
- Representing Freightliner at all relevant Assurance Meetings, workshops and Working Groups
- Facilitating and/or supporting HazIDs for the purpose of 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)
- Attendance at Freightliner SVP
- 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 crossindustry 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 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, & AsBo, DeBo, ApBo, Independent Safety Assessor, and Assessment Party
- Expertise in the application of CSM-REA and associated 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 etc).
- Experience of applying Network Rail’s 4-SP (Stage Gate) assurance framework
- Knowledge of Network Rail’s ESAC (Engineering Safety & Assurance Case) 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 degree of integrity
- Excellent communicator with the ability to engage confidently at all levels.
ERTMS Programme Assurance Lead in Leeds employer: Freightliner Group Ltd
Freightliner is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Leeds where employees are at the heart of our operations. We prioritise professional growth through comprehensive development opportunities and foster a culture of safety and collaboration, ensuring that our team members thrive while contributing to critical national projects like the ERTMS Programme. With competitive pay, excellent benefits, and a final-salary pension scheme, we are dedicated to rewarding our committed workforce.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ERTMS Programme Assurance Lead in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the ERTMS and its deployment challenges. Understanding the technical aspects and regulatory requirements will help you engage confidently in discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the rail industry, especially those involved in ERTMS projects. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to build connections and gain insights that could be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with APIS and PIU assurance processes. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully navigated complex regulatory environments in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your stakeholder management skills by preparing examples of how you've influenced teams across organisations. This is crucial for the Assurance Lead role, so highlight your collaborative experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace ERTMS Programme Assurance Lead in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the ERTMS Programme Assurance Lead role. Focus on your experience with APIS and PIU assurance, as well as any knowledge of ERTMS/ETCS deployment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage regulatory engagement and stakeholder relationships.
Highlight Key Achievements:In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements from previous roles that showcase your leadership in assurance processes, risk management, and compliance with safety engineering best practices.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Freightliner Group Ltd
✨Understand the ERTMS Framework
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and its implications for freight operations. Familiarise yourself with the technical specifications and regulatory requirements, as this knowledge will be crucial in demonstrating your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing relationships with various stakeholders, such as regulatory bodies and delivery teams. Being able to articulate how you've influenced and guided teams in previous roles will show your capability in this area.
✨Demonstrate Your Risk Management Experience
Be ready to discuss your approach to identifying and managing assurance-related risks. Share specific instances where you've successfully implemented safety engineering best practices and how you ensured compliance with safety requirements.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to APIS and PIU assurance processes. Brush up on your knowledge of the Engineering Safety & Assurance Case (ESAC) and the 4-SP framework, as well as any relevant methodologies you've applied in past projects.
