ERTMS Programme Assurance Lead

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, as well as a leading operator in the UK Heavy Haul rail freight market. Freightliner has operations across Europe offering both Intermodal and Heavy Haul rail freight services seamlessly connecting European countries and the UK.

About the Programme

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.

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)
• Review and update the Safety Management System.
• Represent Freightliner at all relevant Assurance Meetings, workshops and Working Groups.
• Facilitate and/or support HazIDs to contribute 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).
• Attend 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 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 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.
• 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 (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.

Our commitment to you, once you join our team, is to foster growth and provide developmental opportunities to ensure you reach your utmost potential.

We are looking for the most committed and reliable individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed for their roles.

In return we can offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, a competitive pension scheme and a rewarding career in an award‑winning team.