Lead Operations Specialist (ERTMS) in Leeds

Freightliner is seeking to appoint a Lead Operations Specialist to play a pivotal role in delivering the UK’s digital signalling future through our ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) Programme. This is a unique opportunity to lead operational strategy and assurance in one of the most significant technical transitions in the UK rail freight sector in a generation. As the Ops Lead, you’ll bridge the gap between frontline expertise and technical delivery, ensuring the rollout of ERTMS is safe, efficient, and aligned with Freightliner’s strategic goals. You’ll work across multidisciplinary teams, regulatory bodies, and industry partners to shape the future of freight operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead operational input across all phases of the ERTMS Programme – from design to deployment.
• Scrutinise First-in-Class (FiC) designs to ensure safe operational effectiveness.
• Provide expert input into system design, testing, and verification using your ERTMS/ETCS technical knowledge.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of safety & assurance documentation, including operational safety cases, hazard registers, HazIDs, SVP submissions, and assurance evidence.
• Utilise your technical understanding to provide expert input into system design, development & verification, ensuring proposed solutions are safe, practical, and compliant.
• Apply CSM-RA principles to operational risk assessments and assurance documentation, ensuring hazards are identified, controlled, and appropriately assured.
• Represent Freightliner in industry forums, regulatory discussions, and stakeholder engagements, including with ORR, DfT, Unions, Network Rail, & OEMs.
• Input into the review and development of new and existing Freightliner policies, standards, strategies, plans, processes and procedures to reflect the introduction of ERTMS/ETCS.
• Lead operational planning for Defect‑Free Operations and Put‑into‑Use processes, ensuring that any changes to the SMS are identified and highlighted to the relevant individuals for action as appropriate.
• Control and maintain project documentation, and produce concise progress reports, including raising, managing, and appropriately escalating operational risks and issues.
• Lead the development and implementation of operational readiness plans, including procedures, competence frameworks, and operational change management.
• Manage and develop a team of ERTMS Operations Specialists.

What You’ll Bring

• Driver competence (3-5 years driving and/or driver management experience).
• Proven leadership in operational delivery of complex signalling or technical programmes.
• Strong technical understanding of ERTMS/ETCS and digital signalling environments (ETCS L-NTC/Level 2).
• Proficiency in rail safety methodologies, legislations, and assurance frameworks (CSM-RA, ROGS, RIR, ALARP, etc).
• Deep knowledge of UK rail operations, including Rule Book application, safety management systems, and operational planning.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience in operational change, training development, and readiness planning.
• Adaptable, able to work under pressure, and strong analytical & problem‑solving skills.

Desirable Qualifications

• Training or certification in CSM-RA application or rail assurance (e.g. Safety Engineering or Systems Safety).
• Technical knowledge of ERTMS/ETCS, including principles, operational interfaces, & migration impacts.
• Understanding of Human Factors integration and Safety Management Systems (SMS).
• Project management or systems engineering (e.g. APM).
• Degree‑level education in Rail Operations or related field.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead the operational delivery of the UK’s digital rail freight programme.
• A collaborative, safety‑led culture within a market‑leading rail freight operator.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Fantastic final‑salary pension scheme after an initial qualifying period.
• Enhanced maternity & paternity pay.
• Access to the company’s life assurance scheme.
• A range of benefits to support work‑home balance, including health treatment reimbursements, savings on new cars, and more.

We proudly welcome applications from former military personnel and value the unique skills and experience they bring to our team. This post is subject to standard pre‑employment checks including employment references, medical & D&A screening and successful DBS background checks. The Hiring Manager will consider hybrid working for the right candidate. Apply now to be part of a transformative journey with Freightliner.