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- Tasks: Lead the operational strategy for the UK's digital rail freight transformation.
- Company: Join a market-leading rail freight operator with a safety-led culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, final-salary pension, and flexible work-life balance perks.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of digital signalling and shape the future of rail operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in rail operations and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid/National | Team: ERTMS Programme | Reports to: Head of ERTMS Programme
Be at the forefront of digital transformation in the UK rail industry. Heavy Haul Rail is seeking 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 rail freight sector.
As the Operations lead, you’ll bridge the gap between frontline expertise and technical delivery, ensuring the rollout of ERTMS is safe, efficient, and aligned with our 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 and subsequent 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, SJRs, 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 Heavy Haul Rail 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 Heavy Haul Rail policies, standards, strategies, plans, processes and procedures to reflect the introduction of ERTMS/ETCS.
- Lead operational planning for Defect-Free Operations and Putting-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 readiness and change management.
- Manage and develop a team of ERTMS Operations Specialists.
- 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.
- Proficiency in rail safety methodologies, legislation, and assurance frameworks (CSM-RA, ROGS, RIR, ALARP, etc.).
- Deep knowledge of UK rail operations, ideally within freight or infrastructure, 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.
- Formal training or certification in CSM-RA application or rail assurance (e.g. Safety Engineering or Systems Safety).
- Technical knowledge of ERTMS/ETCS, including sub-sets, principles, operational interfaces, & migration impacts and experience of ETCS L-NTC/Level 2, or other digital signalling environments.
- Understanding of Human Factors integration and Safety Management Systems (SMS).
- Degree-level education in Rail Operations or related field.
- 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 make your own so you can get the most of your work and home life which can also help save you money and hassle. From reimbursement on health treatments, to savings on cars.
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.
Apply now to be part of a transformative journey with Heavy Haul Rail.
ERTMS Lead Operations Specialist in Leeds employer: Freightliner Ltd
Contact Detail:
Freightliner Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land ERTMS Lead Operations Specialist in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the rail industry, especially those involved in ERTMS. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your technical knowledge of ERTMS/ETCS. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to operational delivery in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Brush up on your understanding of rail safety methodologies and assurance frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied these principles in real-world scenarios, as this will show you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our transformative journey in the UK rail industry.
We think you need these skills to ace ERTMS Lead Operations Specialist in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with ERTMS/ETCS and digital signalling. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Lead Operations Specialist, your leadership experience is crucial. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in complex signalling or technical programmes. We love to see strong leaders!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Freightliner Ltd
✨Know Your ERTMS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and its components. Be prepared to discuss how your technical understanding can contribute to operational effectiveness and safety in the rollout of ERTMS.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Operations Specialist, demonstrating your leadership experience is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in complex signalling or technical programmes, highlighting your ability to bridge the gap between frontline expertise and technical delivery.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Safety Methodologies
Since safety is paramount in this role, ensure you're well-versed in rail safety methodologies and legislation like CSM-RA and ALARP. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these principles in past roles, especially in operational risk assessments and assurance documentation.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Engagement Strategies
You'll be representing Heavy Haul Rail in various forums, so it's important to demonstrate your communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Prepare to discuss your experience in engaging with regulatory bodies and industry partners, and how you can effectively contribute to discussions around operational planning and policy development.